04/06/2026
Proud moment for the MIQ team 💚🤍Congratulations to Dean Taipana for being appointed as the Turbos physio!
Manawatū Rugby is pleased to welcome Dean Taipana as our Turbos Physiotherapist.
Dean joins the programme bringing strong expertise in sports physiotherapy, athlete care, and performance support. With experience across high-performance environments, his focus on keeping players fit, resilient, and available each week will be a key asset throughout the 2026 campaign.
Born and raised in the Manawatū, this opportunity is a particularly meaningful one for Dean, having followed the Turbos for over 20 years. To now contribute to the campaign is something he describes as “incredibly special,” and he’s looking forward to the challenge ahead — proud to support the local team and represent the region that has given so much to him.
Head Coach Wes is equally positive about what Dean will bring to the environment, noting that he steps into “an important role in what is a physically demanding competition.” He highlighted Dean’s experience and strong interview, but more importantly, the value of having “a good local man” as part of a group committed to making the community proud.
We look forward to the impact Dean will make in supporting player wellbeing and performance across the season.
Welcome to Manawatū Rugby, Dean. 💚 🤍