March 05, 2019

Chiefs Under 20's selected to trial for New Zealand Under 20's

50 players confirmed for final trial camp

With just three months until the World Rugby U20 Championship, 50 players are preparing for the final trial camp to be held in Palmerston North next week.

The Chiefs Under 20's have a strong representation with 16 Chiefs players named among the 50 trialists.

The players are;
Forwards:
Iona Apineru Wellington
Kaylum Boshier Taranaki
Rob Cobb Auckland
Sam Cooper Waikato
Sam Dickson Otago
George Dyer Waikato
Tovo Lesinali Faleafa Auckland
Samipeni Finau Waikato
Devan Flanders Hawke's Bay
Cullen Grace Canterbury
Kohan Herbert Bay of Plenty
Josh Hill Otago
Shamus Hurley Langton Wellington
Kianu Kereru Symes Hawke's Bay
Shilo Klein Canterbury
Michael Loft Taranaki
Isileli Manu Auckland
Fletcher Newell Canterbury
Ollie Norris Waikato
Taine Plumtree Wellington
Kershawl Sykes Martin Tasman
James Thompson Waikato
Kaliopasi Uluilakepa Wellington
Tupou Vaa'i Taranaki
Tamaiti Williams Canterbury
Matt Graham Williams Tasman

Backs:
Fergus Burke Canterbury
Leroy Carter Bay of Plenty
Luke Donaldson Canterbury
Chay Fihaki Canterbury
Cole Forbes Bay of Plenty
Taufa Funaki Auckland
Connor Garden Bachop Wellington
Sam Gilbert Canterbury
Awatere Kiwara Manawatu
Lalomilo Lalomilo Bay of Plenty
Lincoln McClutchie Hawke's Bay
Dallas McLeod Canterbury
Brad McNaughten North Harbour
Emoni Narawa Bay of Plenty
Isaiah Punivai Canterbury
Rivez Reihana Waikato
Dennon Robinson Barlett Bay of Plenty
Zarn Sullivan Auckland
Danny Toala Hawke's Bay
Quinn Tupaea Waikato
Reuben Va’a Wellington

*An additional eight tight forwards will attend the set piece camp, of which three will be invited to stay on for the trial.

New Zealand Under 20 Coach Craig Philpott said players have been working on individual programmes since their last assembly in December and they are eager to see progress.

“We know a number of these players have been playing for their Super Clubs in Under 20 and Development teams so we expect to hit the ground running next week.”

The trial camp includes position specific coaching in the lead up to two trial matches against the Hurricanes and Chiefs Development teams.

“This is a strong group of young athletes so as coaches we have a tough job ahead of us in selecting the squad for next month’s Oceania Championship.”

Those players with Super Rugby or Sevens commitments will join the programme depending on their availability.

The New Zealand Under 20 team will compete at the Oceania Championships before heading to Argentina in June for the U20 World Championships.
World Rugby announced the draw for the tournament last week, New Zealand tasked with a tough pool assignment coming up against South Africa, Scotland and Georgia with an eye on qualifying for the play offs.

Players not considered due to injury; Jeriah Mua (Bay of Plenty), Kaleb Trask (Bay of Plenty), Finlay Brewis (Canterbury), Sam Darry (Canterbury), Jack Heighton (North Harbour), Simon Parker (Waikato), Naitoa Ah Kuoi (Wellington), Callum Harkin (Wellington)

Players unavailable due to Super Rugby and Sevens commitments; Caleb Clarke (Blues), Etene Nanai Seturo (Chiefs), Billy Proctor (Hurricanes), Leicester Faingaanuku (Crusaders), Scott Gregory (All Blacks Seven)

Chiefs Under 20's selected to trial for New Zealand Under 20's