Rugby: Bay players make NZU20 training camp

Kaleb Trask is one of several Bay of Plenty players named in the NZ Under 20 development camp to be held next month. Photo/File

Bay of Plenty players Joe Johnson, Tevita Mafileo, Ajay Mua, Ricky Van Der Heyden and Kaleb Trask have been included in a squad of 52 young players to attend the New Zealand Under 20 development camp as coach Craig Philpott begins preparation for the 2018 World Rugby Under 20 Championship.

Other Bay of Plenty connections are Rameka Poihipi (Canterbury), originally from Te Puke, and Carlos Price (Wellington) who is a former Tauranga Boys' College First XV halfback. BOP Steamers assistant coach David Hill is part of the coaching team.

Coach Craig Philpott said it was always an exciting part of the process to get the players in for the first development camp to be held in Palmerston North from December 3-9.

"There is a lot done to get to this point. We have selectors across the country looking at several levels of rugby - First XV, Jock Hobbs, Mitre 10 Cup - this is a chance to get them in and see where they are at," said Philpott.

"We are particularly pleased with the depth we have in this group compared to previous years. Especially in the front row - we have five hookers and nine props coming in because they have all put their hands up."

The squad features 10 players who had been involved in the 2016 wider squad, while four players have been recognised for their performances in the New Zealand Schools' team earlier this month.

"We'll assess the boys on strength and conditioning, body composition, skill set and technical knowledge of the game. From there we can put together a clear plan with specific goals and guidelines for each player so they know what is expected from them."

Most players will be involved with Super Rugby development or age group programmes at the start of 2018 before assembling again in March. A squad will be selected from the development group to play in the Oceania Tournament in April in Australia.

Philpott will once again be joined by assistant coach Willie Rickards and scrum coach Dave Hewett, with David Hill (Bay of Plenty) also joining the coaching team in an assistant's role.

"It's great to have continuity in coaching with three of the four returning for another campaign. And David is familiar with our programme as he's worked as a skills coach in the past so has a clear understanding of what we are trying to achieve."

The 2018 Under 20 Championship schedule (dates and venue) has yet to be confirmed.