New Zealand respective Under-18 teams named
NEWS: The 2024 New Zealand Schools, Barbarian U18 and Mãori U18 has all been announced by New Zealand Rugby ahead of international clashes.
A total of 75 players have been rewarded for their performances in school and club across this season.
A grand total of 29 schools and 12 clubs are represented – from Mãruawai College to the reigning Top Four School champions Rathkeale College in Heartland Province Wairarapa-Bush.
It will also mark the return of the Australia U18 team since 2019 that has competed in New Zealand, with seven teams competing over the duration of three days.
This includes the likes of Australia U18, Samoa U18, New Zealand Heartland U20, Chiefs U18 and the three New Zealand teams.
New Zealand Rugby High Performance Pathways Manager Ben Fisher is excited to see the programme return for a second year, with Australia and Samoa U18 sides involved.
“This programme is an important part of our player development pathway. To be able to continue to build on last year’s success and host international fixtures with our Australian and Samoan counterparts is hugely important for the growth of these young men and will prepare them for future opportunities with the New Zealand Under 20s and beyond.”
“It is an exciting opportunity for those selected, and a huge congratulations to them and their families. We are looking forward to seeing the players develop across the campaign”
“Thanks to The Barbarians Club, NZ Schools Rugby Union, Heartland Unions and Chiefs Rugby club, for their support to help to bring these matches to life”
The New Zealand schools team, New Zealand Barbarians, U18 and New Zealand Mãori U18 sides will all be in action on Sunday, October 6 at Waikato Stadium.
The New Zealand Schools team is headed by Paul Tito (Blues) with Willie Rickhards (Auckland Grammar School) and Kieran Coll (St Thomas of Canterbury) completing the coaching team.
The New Zealand Barbarians team will be led by Darren Larsen (Hurricanes) with Tasesa Lavea (Saint Kentigern’s College) and Greg Feek (Blues) named as assistants.
New Zealand Schools: Siale Pahulu, Nico Stanley, Cohen Norrie, Charlie Wallis, Aio Keith, Jarrel Tuaimalo Vaega, Tevita Tatafu , Jake Hutchkings, Mason Verster, Charlie Sinton, Aidan Spratley, Josh Findlay, Finn McLeod, Bede Giera, James Moore, JD van der Westhuizen, Bradley Tocker, Thomas Jennings, Saumaki Saumaki, Harry Inch, Olivier Gibbons, Oliver Guerin, Liam van der Heyden.
Not considered due to injury: Xavier Leota
New Zealand Barbarian U18: Reimana Saunderson-Rurawhe, Fanua Fa’avae, Mila Muliaina, Rios Tasmania, Peni Havea, Benji Nation, Mitchell Swann, Tom Martin, Alani Fakava, Lautasi Etuale, Frazer Brown, Jake Frost, Max Fale, Johnny Falloon, Raharui Palmer, Presley McHugh, Rupeni Raviyawa, Micah Fale, Gregor Rutledge, Drew Berg-McLean, Pyrenees Boyle-Tiatia, Jack Wiseman, Tamiano Ahloo, Samuela Takapu, Dane Johnston.
New Zealand Mãori U18: Alex Arnold, Alex Hewitt, Brayden Neilson, Caleb Woodley, Charlie Carroll, Clack Sutcliffe, Cruiz Simpson, Dallas Rata-Makene, Ethan Mcmanemin, Hiraka Watai-Haenga, Isaac Turoa, Isireli Qaranivalu, Jack McCarthy, Jayden Broome, Jericho Wharehinga, Kaden Makea, Kah’nal Ngwati, Kane Paranihi, Kobe Brownlee, Le’Sharn Reiri-Paku, Mako Blackman, Noah Gregory, Oliver Church, Ryder Crosswell, Wiremu Brailey.
Image credit: NZ Rugby
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