Tane Edmed’s Bunnings NPC Success Fuels Wallabies Aspirations

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Edmed, 24, who faced a torrid time as the Waratahs endured a horror Super Rugby Pacific season, opted for a stint playing in the Bunnings NPC with North Harbour.

While North Harbour didn't set the world on fire, failing to make the top eight playoffs, there was enough opportunity to showcase Edmed's ability to anyone in Australia who may have been watching.

It is not unfamiliar for Australian players to ply their trade with NPC teams, but few have had the impact that Edmed made. He topped the individual points scoring in the regular NPC season with 137 points, including a stunning, near-record 33 points against Manawatu.

Edmed faces a challenging task in achieving higher honours with Australia, competing against incumbent Noah Lolesio, Ben Donaldson and Tom Lynagh, but is expected to be part of either the Wallabies or the Australian XV on their northern tours next month.

He told Australian media this week that playing in New Zealand has given him a shot of confidence.

"I've always known I've had the ability; it's always been there, but it's pretty crazy what a new environment can do, a fresh start and a new perspective.

"It helped me confidence-wise to see that I can do that and get that enjoyment back again, as it's been a tough few years at the Waratahs.


"At the same time, I'm also very aware that NPC is not Super, it's not Test-level rugby, so there'll be challenges still ahead, but it made me more confident in my abilities."

Edmed made his comments while part of a group of Waratahs and Brumbies attending a two-day camp ahead of the end-of-year tours by the Australian sides.

He said he enjoyed working with his fellow five-eighths as they worked on attacking strategies ahead of the tour.

"Everyone's trying to get better for the sake of Australian rugby, so we're all happy to help, and Noah's been awesome showing me the attack plan and all that sort of stuff.

"It's a positive environment and just being here for two days, I've loved it so much."