The player they call the Big SexC, Ryan Coxon, disappeared off the rugby grid after Tasman’s NPC campaign last season.
The former Western Force prop headed to Christchurch and had a complete break from the game for six months.
“It was partial retirement as I needed a mental refresh for the head, and the knees as well. More mind than body as I had been in the cycle quite a while,” reveals the 28-year-old who debuted in 2017.
He then returned to club rugby and helped out the Crusaders, ready to go if someone went down at the end of the Super Rugby Pacific season.
But the front rower then injured his MCL playing for the Christchurch club and will miss the Mako’s first match.
Ryan scored the team’s one and only try in the season opener against Bay of Plenty last year.
While the Mako came unstuck at the end of 2025, Ryan reckons the starting pack was as good as any in the NPC, and No.8 Fletcher Anderson probably the best player in the competition.
“We have lost some good cattle with Fletcher, Sione Havili Talitui and Quin Strange now overseas, but I am refreshed and ready to go,” says the 64-cap Mako.
He’s excited about being reunited with young hooker Eli Oudenryn.
“Look at him running around. He looks like a midfield back. Eli needs to get an extra 10kgs on him, but he is going alright and has a bright future. The front row is a pretty dark place for pretty special people,” declares Ryan, who has already started planning for life after rugby.
“I started a plumbing apprenticeship in Christchurch in December, and I see myself being based there. AI can’t take over our job, running pipes. I have started a little side hustle as well, installing showers,” says the Big SexC businessman.
As for that nickname, it was given by former Mako teammates Liam Squire and Pari Pari Parkinson.
“They saw me lying on a bean bag with no shirt on, in the sunshine outside Trafalgar Park, and they spat out that name. And it has stuck like glue ever since,” says Ryan.
So do other props give him a hard time about it.
“No, because they know what’s coming.”
Meanwhile, fellow prop Monu Moli is also on the comeback trail after being injured in March during Super Rugby.
He was all set to play for Moana Pasifika against the Blues in round five in Auckland, only to suffer a serious foot injury at training.
‘I couldn’t wait to get back to Tasman as I am well looked after here. I hope to be ready to play by round three or four,” says the 23-year-old, who debuted for Tasman in 2023.
With Moana Pasifika folding, Monu is determined to showcase his skills in the NPC.
“It motivates me to have a huge season to set myself up for the future.”
For now, he is busy helping on the sidelines with video camera work.
His older brother Sam hasn’t returned to the Mako. After completing Tongan test commitments, Sam will probably be looking for an overseas move.
Monu isn’t playing for Tonga though.
“I have aspirations to be an All Black.”
A breakout season for the Mako would help push his long-term claims.
Full team list for 2026: Richie Asiata, Ethan Blackadder, Ryan Coxon, Lopeti Faifua, Shannon Frizzel, Jake Frost, Tayne Hemopo, Tom Heywood, Dylan Irvine, Johnny Lee, Hunter Leppien, Tyrel Lomax, Matthew Lowe, Sione Mafi, Sam Matenga, Lavengamonu Moli, Eli Oudenryn, Rory Scott, Antonio Shalfoon, Kershawl Sykes-Martin, Vea Taumofolau, Finaly Christie (injured), Mitchell Drummond, Leicester Fainga’anuku, Cooper Grant, Jack Gray, William Havili, David Havili, Noah Hotham, Will Jordan, Mason Lund, Maloni Kunawave, Cooper Roberts, Taine Robinson, Nic Sauira, Macca Springer, Kyren Taumoefolau, Timoci Tavatavanawai and Wil Thornalley
