Rugby: Bay of Plenty players named in NZ under-20 training squad

Kaleb Trask is one of the Bay of Plenty players selected for a NZ under-20 trial camp on Saturday. PHOTO/FILE

The naming of the first NZ under-20 trial camp under way in Palmerston North is another sign of the increasing levels of talent within Bay of Plenty Rugby.

Bay of Plenty Academy members Kaleb Trask, Joe Johnson, Stan van den Hoven, Jeriah Mua and Tevita Mafileo were selected with Ajay Mua withdrawn through injury. Te Puke's Rameka Poihipi, who is contracted to Canterbury, is also included.

They are among 46 players undergoing testing at the first trial camp of the year. The camp involves an intensive five-day programme with two trial teams to play Hurricanes Development and a Wellington XV on Saturday.

Bay of Plenty Rugby chief executive Mike Rogers said the union was "incredibly proud" of the young men who made the trial.

"It has been a focus for us in terms of investment in younger players.

"It is a reflection of the work that has gone on and the quality of the talent that is being retained in our region and also that has been attracted to our region. It is a really good measure of what we are doing is starting to pay dividends.

"I can't remember us having this many players in a trial for New Zealand under-20s so it is an exciting time for us."

Much of the talent coming into Bay of Plenty is out of Auckland secondary schools and under-18 teams, which Rogers said is an indication of the respect the rugby community has for what the Bay of Plenty has to offer.

"Ultimately people are now trusting us that we have a really credible programme. That is really important for a family and a young player making the decision.

"They are looking for an environment that is going to help them achieve their on-field rugby goals but as important is the whole holistic approach around the support for those young people whether that be study or work, accommodation, nutrition, mental skills — all those things.

"We have worked really hard to improve our delivery across all those areas and we think we have got some fantastic resources involved in our programme."

It is not just the players showing up at New Zealand under-20 level. Bay of Plenty coaches are also involved in the programme, Rogers said.

"We have Clayton [McMillan], the Maori All Blacks head coach, but he is also down at the [camp], David Hill is assistant coach of New Zealand 20s and Rodney Gibbs is a resource coach.

"All those roles demonstrate we have got quality people through our organisation now and we have a quality programme people have confidence in."

A further camp for the New Zealand under-20 squad will be held in April before the team takes part in the Oceania Tournament on the Gold Coast in April and May. A squad of 28 will be selected to go to the Under 20 World Championship in France from May 25 to June 18.

The New Zealand under-20 team have won six of the 10 World Rugby Under 20 Championships, most recently beating England in the 2017 final 64-17.

From the 2017 team, Asafo Aumua made his debut for the All Blacks against the Barbarians in November while Caleb Clarke has played two tournaments for the All Blacks Sevens this year.