NZ Under-20 prop Aidan Ross (left) has been selected in the Bay of Plenty under-19 side.
The Jock Hobbs Memorial National Under-19 tournament will get under way at Taupo's Owen Delany Park on Sunday.
After the successful inaugural tournament last year, New Zealand Rugby is making this a regular event to help develop emerging talent in the age group.
Bay of Plenty Rugby player development manager
Kyle McLean said the tournament provided a great opportunity for the province's young players to improve their skills and continue their rugby development. "It is a fantastic opportunity to test their talent against players from a similar age group and I know they are really looking forward to the challenge in Taupo."
New Zealand Rugby general manager of rugby Neil Sorensen said the tournament provided a pathway for emerging players and provided them with every reason to stay in the game and aim for higher honours, such as their full provincial union side and NZ Under-20 side.
"Many of the players involved in last year's tournament went on to higher honours, including representing New Zealand at the World Rugby Under-20 Championship in Italy," he said.
