New Zealand Schools’ and New Zealand Schools’ Barbarians teams named
The New Zealand Schools’ and New Zealand Schools’ Barbarians teams have today been selected for their 2018 campaigns.
Players have been selected after three days in a development camp at Massey University’s Sport & Rugby Institute in Palmerston North.
New Zealand Schools’ Rugby Union chairman Garry Chronican named the New Zealand Schools’ team which features nine players from last year’s Schools’ programme.
The New Zealand Schools’ team is;
| Iona | Apineru | St Patrick’s College – Silverstream |
| Louie | Chapman | Christchurch Boys’ High School |
| Sam | Darry | Christ’s College |
| Chay | Fihaki | Sacred Heart College |
| Taufa | Funaki | Sacred Heart College |
| Matt | Graham-Williams | St Kentigern College |
| Niko | Jones | St Peter’s College |
| Jacob | Kneepkens | Francis Douglas Memorial College |
| Joshua | Lord | Hamilton Boys’ High School |
| Josiah | Maraku | Fielding High School |
| Thomas | Martin | Hamilton Boys’ High School |
| Saula | Mau | Auckland Grammar School |
| Blair | Murray | New Plymouth Boys’ High School |
| Simon | Parker | St Peter’s School – Cambridge |
| George | Prain | Rangiora High School |
| Isaiah | Punivai | St Kentigern College |
| Rivez | Reihana | St Kentigern College |
| Anton | Segner | Nelson College |
| Zarn | Sullivan | King’s College |
| Tiaan | Tauakipulu | St Kentigern College |
| Patrick | Thacker | Christ’s College |
| Tyrone | Thompson | Napier Boys’ High School |
| Soane | Vikena | Mt Albert Grammar School |
| Ethan | Webster-Nonu | Scots College |
| Tamaiti | Williams | St Kentigern College |
| Gideon | Wrampling | St Paul’s Collegiate |
Coach Brad Mooar said the quality of players at this week’s camp had been exceptional which made for a tough task in selecting the team.
“The selectors did a really great job in getting such a strong group of players together who have really embraced the last few days and made for an energising and positive environment.
“We have a few returning players which is good but these young men have bonded very quickly, its a tight group of players already and we hope this campaign will be the best rugby experience that they have had,” said Mooar.
The New Zealand Schools’ team travel to Brisbane, Australia for three matches against Tonga Schools’, Australia Schools’ Barbarians and Australia Schools’.
Former president of the New Zealand Barbarians Club, Ron Williams, announced the New Zealand Schools’ Barbarians team.
The New Zealand Schools’ Barbarians is;
| Arthur | Allen | Christ’s College |
| James | Arscott | Otago Boys’ High School |
| Caleb | Cavubati | Scots College |
| Stewart | Cruden | Palmerston North Boys’ High School |
| Corey | Evans | Auckland Grammar School |
| Zach | Gallagher | Christ’s College |
| Josh | Gimblett | Napier Boys’ High School |
| Lukas | Halls | King’s College |
| Tahu | Kaa | Christchurch Boys’ High School |
| Benet | Kumeroa | Auckland Grammar School |
| Peni | Lasaqa | St Kentigern College |
| Mahonri | Ngakuru | St Kentigern College |
| Jacob | Payne | Southland Boys’ High School |
| Noah | Perelini | King’s College |
| Robert | Rush | St Kentigern College |
| Sam | Smith | Wairarapa College |
| Roderick | Solo | Scots College |
| Ropati | So’oalo | Aotea College |
| Poukohe | Sorenson | Rotorua Boys High School |
| Kristian | Standen | New Plymouth Boys’ High School |
| Patrick | Teddy | Napier Boys’ High School |
| Junior | Uelese | Scots College |
| Keelan | Whitman | St Patrick’s College – Wellington |
Coach Cory Brown said his team is full of potential and looking forward to playing the Barbarians style of rugby.
“Being a part of the Barbarians legacy is a unique opportunity for these players. There is a huge a amount of history in the club and some great players have gone through their ranks. This group is looking forward to adding to that and having a great week together.”
“I have no doubt that if we build strong relationships in this group and focus on our preparation that we will perform well on the field,” said Brown.
The New Zealand Schools’ Barbarians have two matches against New Zealand Maori Under 18s and Fiji Schools’.
Match schedule
27 September
New Zealand Schools v Tonga Schools, Brisbane
New Zealand Barbarians Schools v New Zealand Maori Under 18, Wellington
1 October
New Zealand Schools v Australian schools Barbarians, Brisbane
New Zealand Barbarians Schools v Fiji Schools, Wellington
6 October
New Zealand Schools v Australian Schools, Brisbane
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