Jesse Church playing for Aquinas in 2014. Photo/File
Jesse Church playing for Aquinas in 2014. Photo/File
The Bay of Plenty Rugby U19 Squad was named last night with the Jock Hobbs Memorial National Under 19 tournament coming up next month.
The squad has been in preparation for the past three months, training once a week and so far playing two pre-season matches.
They play Hawkes Baythis Saturday before starting the Chiefs competition, which will act as seeding matches for the national tournament.
The Bay of Plenty Rugby Union is treating the September competition as a big opportunity to develop players and promote them to the next level, whether it is the New Zealand Under 20's or the Bay of Plenty Steamers.
Head Coach Cory Sweeney said the initial squad was selected from a group of committed and proud Bay of Plenty players spread throughout the region.
"It is an exciting group of players who have been working together for just over eight weeks and tracking really well as we head into our first preseason game this weekend.
"The boys are motivated by representing themselves and the union with pride during September and under the microscope of the National U/19 tournament. They are a talented group of young men worth watching and supporting over the next two months."
Forwards: Diardu Terblanche - Tauranga Sports Leighton Hika - Rangataua Fraser Bruce - Greerton Marist Dennis Newton - Whakarewarewa Craig Blyde - Greerton Marist Pete Smith - Whakatane Marist Billy Carter - Te Puna Tuterangi Te Moana - Opotiki Ben McDell - Marist St Michael's Salesi Leota - Rangiuru Jamie Ure - Rangataua Matt Ensor - Tauranga Sports Bailey Ransom - Rangataua Kruzzyn Herniman - Arataki Ben Sinclair - Te Puna Thomas Allen - Tauranga Sports Darren Tiumalu - Greerton Marist Sioeli 'Alofiu - Rotoiti
Backs: Scott Tallott - Greerton Marist Hayden Tyrrell - Tauranga Sports Tute Grant - Rangataua Zane Crosswell - Greerton Marist Levi Tofa - Judea Declan Barnett - Te Puke Sports Alex Thrupp - Rangataua Corban Selwyn - Waikite Dominic Sherell - Te Puke Sports Zach Bell - Greerton Marist Scott Lyle - Tauranga Sports Jesse Church - Te Puna
