Rotorua's Kaleb Trask was named in the NZ Under-20 team. PHOTO/FILE
Bay of Plenty has the rare distinction of having two players named in the New Zealand Under-20 squad for next month's Oceania Rugby Championship in Australia and likely to be at the World Rugby Under 20 Championship in France in May.
Head coach Craig Philpott has named prop Tevita Mafileo (ex-St Kentigern College) and first-five Kaleb Trask (ex-Rotorua Boys' High School) to prepare for the series. Bay of Plenty's Ajay Mua was a likely selection but is unavailable through injury.
Halfback Carlos Price is also named under the Wellington banner. He grew up in Tauranga and played in the Tauranga Boys' College First XV.
Philpott said more than 60 players had been involved in the camps to this point, which made 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," Philpott said.
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 April 24.
"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," Philpott said.
"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."
The Oceania Rugby Under 20 Championship will bring New Zealand up against Tonga (April 27), Fiji (May 1) and Australia (May 5). The team will be after their fifth consecutive title.
The World Rugby Under 20 Championship kicks off in France in May. New Zealand will face Japan, Wales and Australia in pool play.
New Zealand Under 20 squad:
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.
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.