End of an era with Kawau

OPINION: Confirmation this week that 2009 Stags vice-captain Jason Kawau's time in maroon had finished marked the end of era, writes Logan Savory in this week's Sav's Say.

For the 29-year-old it is an exciting time and you can't blame the guy for wanting to experience rugby overseas – I'll be brutally honest though, it is still sad to lose him from Southland.

With Kawau signing with a Japanese club there also comes the loss of one of the good guys – not just in Southland rugby, but in New Zealand rugby.

As a sports reporter at The Southland Times during the past five years I've met a lot of sportspeople and have followed the Stags' progress closely.

During that time I would struggle to pick out a better bloke to deal with than that of Jason Kawau.

He's been approachable and nothing ever seemed too much of a problem.

From the outside looking into the Stags setup Kawau seemed to command respect from his peers and I believe he has played a major role in transforming the fortunes of Southland rugby during the four years he has been with the Stags.

They've gone from competition battlers to semifinalists and Ranfurly Shield-holders.

Without wanting to be too disrespectful to Kawau, as a player I wouldn't rate him as one of the best I've seen go through the Southland setup.

He's rock solid on attack and defence but probably lacks the flair that some of his team-mates have possessed.

However, Kawau makes up with through his attitude, he's uncompromising and dedicated to his team's cause.

I just a feel a little disappointed that he didn't get more opportunity to showcase this type of attitude in the Highlanders setup.

Kawau can't yet reveal which club he will join in Japan but whoever it is, it has landed itself a good one.

Kawau's hard-running ability, along with his determined nature, will be a huge asset in Japan.

If he can help carry similar results with his Japanese club to what he has done with Southland they'd be pretty happy I'm sure.

When the Balfour boy joined the Stags in 2005 the season before Southland finished second last.

In 2005 they finished eighth and by the time he played his last game in maroon Southland had claimed a third place finish while holding the Ranfurly Shield.

Sayonara Jason, all the best.

» Logan Savory is a former Southland cricket representative who was named New Zealand junior sportswriter of the year at the 2007 TP McLean journalism awards. His main rounds are cricket and rugby.

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