Ranger reflects on Top 14 experience

Editor

Rene Ranger is happy to be back in Auckland with his family around him as he prepares for Super Rugby with the Blues.

Ranger believes that being in that environment will see him produce his best rugby after returning from France where he played for Montpellier.

“I’m really enjoying being back home,” Ranger told the NZ Herald.

“I’m close to friends and family and with that enjoyment being back with the family, hopefully that helps with my rugby. It’s real good being back home.”

Having returned from a two-year stint in France with Montpellier, Ranger has plenty of positive thoughts about his time in Europe, along with the some criticisms when it comes to the style of play in the Top 14.

“Playing in New Zealand, we get some good crowds, but in France it was just the next level up,” he said.

“I think the stadium held 15,000-16,000 and it was full every home game. It was awesome to play in front of. The fans really got into it.”

“It was enjoyable when the backs got a bit of ball. It can be frustrating at times with the old ‘tennis’ rugby.

“They seem to do a lot of kicking and it’s very forward oriented. Earlier in that first year I was there we played a lot of good, running rugby. That’s why I went to the club because they played that way.”

Now back at the Blues the aim for Ranger is to add to his six caps for New Zealand, but the 29-year-old knows only good form for his franchise will lead to that opportunity.

He said: “For me to do that I’ve got to get my confidence up at the Blues. If I do my job here and contribute to the team, hopefully I can get those higher honours.”