Under 20 squad named for Oceania Rugby Championship

Under 20 squad named for Oceania Rugby Championship

New Zealand Under 20 Head Coach Craig Philpott has named the squad for next month’s Oceania Rugby Championship in Australia.

The squad is:

Forwards:
John Akau’ola-Laula	Auckland
Suetena Asomua	Counties Manukau
Tom Christie (Captain)	Canterbury
Rob Cobb	Auckland
Devan Flanders	Hawke’s Bay
Tom Florence	Taranaki
Ricky Jackson	Otago
Tevita Mafileo	Bay of Plenty
Laghlan McWhannell	Waikato
Waimana Riedlinger-Kapa	Auckland
Bradley Slater	Taranaki
Hoskins Sotutu	Auckland
Flynn Thomas	Southland
Will Tucker	Canterbury
Kaliopasi Uluilakepa	Wellington

Backs:
Leicester Faingaanuku	Tasman
Will Jordan	Tasman
Vilimoni Koroi	Otago
Ciarahn Matoe	Taranaki
Harry Plummer	Auckland
Carlos Price	Wellington
Billy Proctor	Wellington
Ngane Punivai	Canterbury
Jay Renton	Southland
Xavier Roe	Waikato
Bailyn Sullivan	Waikato
Tanielu Tele’a	Auckland
Kaleb Trask	Bay of Plenty

2- 3 players to be named

Players not considered due to Super Rugby commitments
Caleb Clarke	Blues

Players not considered due to injury
Tim Farrell	Hawke’s Bay
Brayden Iose	Manawatu
Ajay Mua	Bay of Plenty
Xavier Numia	Wellington
Cameron Suafoa	Auckland
Sheldon Tovio	Waikato

Philpott said that more than 60 players had been involved in the camps to this point, which makes final selection a tough process.

“We feel we have selected a team that is capable of playing the New Zealand brand of rugby. This is a skilful group of well-conditioned athletes who are also good young men,” said Philpott.

Canterbury’s Tom Christie will captain the team. The loose forward was a member of the 2017 World Championship winning squad, has Mitre 10 Cup experience and spent time with the Crusaders during the pre-season.

“Tom understands what is required to be involved in a successful World Championship campaign. He comes out of a strong professional environment and is a quality leader who we are confident will meet the challenge head on.”

Alongside Christie, there are five returning players who played in the Oceania Championships last year, as well as six players who will be eligible again in 2019.
The squad will assemble in Auckland next month before departing for the Gold Coast on 24 April.

“This tournament is crucial in our World Championship preparation. It’s the opportunity to take the group away for two weeks, get to know them more closely and for them to understand the responsibilities that come with wearing the black jersey.

“It also sees us play three games in 12 days which mirrors pool play in the World Championship so that helps players to understand what is required in terms of recovery and self-management,” said Philpott.

The Oceania Rugby Under 20 Championship will see New Zealand play matches against Tonga (27 April), Fiji (1 May) and Australia (5 May). The team will be looking to claim the fifth title in as many years.

The World Rugby Under 20 Championship kicks off in France in May. New Zealand will face Japan, Wales and Australia in pool play.

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