Paenga-Morgan picked

DEVELOPMENT PATHWAY: Anaru Paenga-Morgan, seen here playing rugby for Gisborne Boys’ High School, has been selected for a Chiefs under-17 training camp. Picture by Paul Rickard

RUGBY

POVERTY Bay under-16 rugby captain Anaru Paenga-Morgan has been selected for a Chiefs development day next month.

Paenga-Morgan, from Gisborne Boys’ High School but set to do his schooling in Waikato next year, is one of 63 players picked for the December 5 under-17 camp, which will include skills sessions and fitness testing.

Chiefs player identification and development manager Kent Currie said the camp offered a chance for those selected to take their first step on the Chiefs “development pathway”.

“We have a gifted group of young men who will be attending the camp,” he said.

“This is an opportunity for these individuals to develop their skill base, learn new skills and be inspired to continue on the Chiefs development pathway.”

Paenga-Morgan, a first five-eighth, led Poverty Bay as recently as last month in a Hurricanes Youth Rugby Council competition.

He is also a champion waka ama paddler.

This year, he reaffirmed his status as the top junior-16 W1 paddler in the country at the National Secondary Schools Waka Ama Championships, winning the 250-metre final.