Southland Stags today announced the signing of two halfbacks for the 2021 season.

Former Otago and Highlanders player Josh Renton joins, while Liam Howley re-signs having been out of contract in the summer.

Coach Dale MacLeod is excited to have Renton making the move south.

"Josh will bring plenty of experience and a real professional attitude to the group," he says. "He is very accurate in his core roles as a 9, his kick, pass and tackle accuracy are all very good.

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The 27-year-old is no stranger to Southern Rugby playing NZ Schools Rugby and U20s before debuting for Otago against Southland back in 2013 playing 42 games at NPC level.

He played in the Highlanders between 2015 and 2017. Since 2018, Renton has based his Rugby career in Italy for Zebre in the Pro 14 competition, this season alongside fellow Stag Charles Alaimalo.

Josh Renton

"I know Josh is very excited to be back in NZ and really looking forward to playing some rugby back in the NPC.

"We are looking to create real competition right across our squad. I know that the halfback position in our group will be very competitive".

Howley, meanwhile, has played numerous seasons with SIT Zero Fees-sponsored Southland with over 20 NPC games in the Southland jersey since 2015, including a stint in the English Championship in 2019/20 with Jersey Reds.

Post the 2020 campaign Liam was tasked by head coach Dale MacLeod to go away work hard on his core roles, which he has made very good shifts in key areas.

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He's performed well in the Go Bus Southland Wide Senior rugby season with Woodlands and will bring a high level of energy and a familiar face to the backline for the 2021 Bunnings Warehouse NPC season.

"Liam's leadership within the group has grown and he is very competitive by nature. I expect him to bring these key attributes to our campaign as well.

"He's has not only signed on with the Stags but is furthering his rugby career working in our schools with young rugby talent as a development officer. I’m sure his presence in the community will increase his appreciation for the jersey as one of our young leaders on and off the field."