Tongan international Nasi Manu watches the Mid Canterbury Combined squad complete the bronco challenge. Photo supplied.Preparations for next season’s UC Championship began in earnest this week.

And the young group’s first hit-out at Ashburton College was bolstered by the presence of an inspirational international star.

Tongan and former Highlanders loose forward Nasi Manu lent a hand during the Mid Canterbury Combined’s 1st XV first pre-season training on Wednesday.

The 32-year-old took the players through some walking squats, before offering some words of encouragement to the group.

He then observed the squad as coach Shane Enright roped the youngsters into a bronco challenge.

Back in New Zealand after a five-year playing stint in Europe, Manu returned to Mitre 10 Cup action for Otago earlier this year before starring for Moana Pasifika in their inaugural showdown with the Maori All Blacks at the weekend.

It has been a remarkable return to the fold for Manu, after he was given the all-clear from a bout of testicular cancer between 2018 and 2019.

Manu was the co-captain of the Highlanders during their maiden Super Rugby triumph in 2015 and was set to lead Tonga during last year’s Pacific Nation’s Cup before injury struck.

He bounced back to make three appearances for the national team during last year’s Rugby World Cup campaign in Japan.

For the Spartans, many familiar faces are set to return for next year after a tough UC campaign earlier this year.

It was a challenging commencement to pre-season training as the squad were unleashed for a bronco challenge in 20 deg C heat.

Combined fullback Charlie Brown recorded the best time on Wednesday, completing the course in 4 minutes 39 seconds.

By Adam Burns © The Ashburton Guardian - 11 December 2020