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New Zealand Provincial Barbarians squad for opening match of DHL NZ Lions Series named

All corners of New Zealand are set to be represented when the New Zealand Provincial Barbarians open the DHL NZ Lions Series 2017 on 3 June in Whangarei.

Provincial Barbarians Coach Clayton McMillan has today named the core of the squad for the series opener, which features an exciting mix of players from 15 different provinces.

All Mitre 10 Cup Unions and Heartland Championship and Meads Cup Champions Wanganui are represented with veteran skipper and Barbarians Club member Peter Rowe, set to add to his already impressive rugby CV.

“It was important to us in selecting this team that it was truly representative of New Zealand,” said McMillan.

“It wasn’t an easy task, the amount of talent considered is testament to how strong New Zealand rugby is now. We believe we have found a mix of upcoming players and hardened provincial stalwarts to make an exciting team.

“We have picked the base of a team that is capable of playing an entertaining brand of rugby which fits with the BaaBaas tradition of innovation and flair and playing with pure guts and heart.”

Of the 19 players named today, 13 have previously donned the black jersey for either New Zealand Schools, New Zealand Under 20s or Maori All Blacks.

The remainder of the squad will be confirmed closer to the team’s assembly in Whangarei on May 28, as coaches monitor player progress across the country.

Four of the forwards boast Super Rugby experience, as well as exciting Taranaki midfielder Johnny Fa’auli who has made several appearances for the Chiefs in 2017.

It will be a family affair for North Harbour first-five-eighth Bryn Gatland who comes up against a British & Irish Lions side coached by his father Warren Gatland.

Local fans in Whangarei will be able to celebrate Northland players Josh Goodhue and Matt Matich playing at home at Toll Stadium.

New Zealand Rugby GM for the DHL Lions Series, Nigel Cass congratulated the players selected for the eagerly anticipated clash.

“The players will not only go into the match against the Lions representing their home regions, they will have the whole country behind them. For many, this match will be a career highlight and every player will be doing their very best to cause an upset in the opening match of what is going to be an exceptional Series.”

Whangarei Deputy Mayor, Sharon Morgan said the city was looking forward to adopting the Barbarians as a local team for the week leading into the match.

“Whangarei is excited to host the opening match of the DHL Lions Series and looking forward to supporting the Barbarians in the week leading up to this massive match.

“The atmosphere in the city will be incredible going into the game and even more so on the match day.”

Tickets are currently available from $39 for an adult and $10 for a child from www.nzlionsseries17.com.

 

2017 New Zealand Provincial Barbarians
Player Provincial Union Position DOB Height Weight PU Caps
Tolu Fahamokioa Wellington Prop 05.05.91 1.90m 102kg 21
Marcel Renata Auckland Prop 24.02.94 1.87m 121kg 11
Aidan Ross Bay of Plenty Prop 25.10.95 1.89m 111kg 14
Epalahame Faiva Waikato Hooker 09.05.94 1.81m 108kg 34
Sam Anderson-Heather Otago Hooker 15.02.88 1.85m 109kg 47
Joshua Goodhue Northland Lock 13.06.95 1.99m 115kg 13
Quentin Strange Tasman Lock 21.08.96 1.99m 112kg 11
Heiden Bedwell-Curtis Manawatu Loose Forward 25.06.91 1.88m 104kg 40
Mitchell Brown Taranaki Loose Forward 15.08.93 1.94m 110kg 27
Peter Rowe Wanganui Loose Forward 07.12.81 1.83m 101kg 119
Matthew Matich Northland Loose Forward 10.07.91 1.86m 106kg 10
Jack Stratton Canterbury Halfback 21.08.94 1.85m 92kg 16
Jonathan Taumateine Counties Manukau Halfback 28.09.96 1.78m 90kg 4
Johnathan Fa’auli Taranaki Midfield 13.09.95 1.8m 103kg 10
Jonah Lowe Hawke’s Bay Midfield 09.05.96 1.84m 92kg 16
Bryn Gatland North Harbour First Five-eighth 10.05.95 1.78m 88kg 12
Sevuloni Reece Waikato Wing 13.02.97 1.79m 87kg 12
Luteru Laulala Counties Manukau Fullback 30.05.95 1.83m 95kg 11
Junior Ngaluafe Southland Fullback 24.11.91 1.84m 91kg 35

 


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