Rugby: Andrews selected for national side, Northland U19 Maori trial squad named

Mid Northern midfielder Judah Andrews has been selected for the New Zealand Maori U18 Development team.

After an impressive season, Mid Northern midfielder Judah Andrews has been named in a national age group squad.

A national Under-18 Maori Rugby Development team, including Andrews has been selected for the first time to play thecurtain-raiser before the Bay of Plenty Steamers v Auckland in round six of the Mitre 10 Cup next Sunday.

The team, named by deputy chairman of the New Zealand Maori Rugby Board Peter Goldsmith today, is made up of talented school-age boys who have been part of New Zealand Rugby's (NZR) E Tu Toa rugby development programme in 2016.

The side will play a Bay of Plenty Maori Te Waiariki U19 team at Rotorua International Stadium on September 25.

Andrews has moved up the ranks in his burgeoning career, playing for the U17s Blues and U18 Auckland Warriors side.

Janita Andrews, Judah's mother, said he has a very supportive family behind him.

"He has very proud parents, brothers, sisters and grandfather," she said.

"He's the only young man from Tai Tokerau-based club. Too much!"

The National Māori Rugby U18 Development team will be coached by Rua Wanoa (Ngāti Porou), Reuben Parkinson (Te Whanau-a-Apanui) and supported by Anthony Rehutai (Ngati Porou), and Kahu Carey (Rangitane/Ngati Apa). The team will be managed by Mark Seymour (Ngati Hikairo).

Goldsmith said the development of Maori rugby at the youth level was a big focus for the New Zealand Maori Rugby Board.

"We're dedicated to developing our future talent and this team provides an opportunity for young Maori who have missed out on the New Zealand Schools and New Zealand Barbarians Schools to be recognised.

"The boys in this team are outstanding rugby players and our goal is to keep them involved in the sport and striving to be better. This team gives them another opportunity to develop their skills and gain experience."

He said the day will be a celebration of Maori rugby with national schools kapa haka champions Rau Kura performing. Rotorua mayor Steve Chadwick will be presented with a taiaha (Te Roto) by NZR to formally recognise the awarding of the Maori All Blacks-British and Irish Lions match to Rotorua, in 2017.

Andrews will fly out to meet the squad tomorrow.Meanwhile, Hector Davies namedthe Northland Maori U19 trial squad.

The 50-man squad will be trimmed closer to their matches.

Northland U19 Squad: Backs - James Witehira, Alex Goodwin, Ricky Goodwin, Harley Tito, Lyric Brownlee, Chaz Watene, Judah Andrews, Kopa Warren, Wiremu Henare, Te Kahi Nathan, Xavier Johnson, George-John Westerlund, Levi Clark, Wiremu Wilson, Terry Baldwin, Te Kopa Tipene-Thomas, Maiki Matiu, Sala Lopeti, Ngapuhi Simeon, Charles Dunn.
Forwards - Hamana Rakena, Khain Scott, Joe Brown, Paora Allen, Kiritopa Allen, Lyric Joyce, Jayde Pou, Samuel Simeon, Sheldon Harsant, Chris Latu, Rihari Thomas, Nathan Dew, Kwytyn Vakatini, Matthew Bridgeman, Rihari Thomas, Caleb Wilson, Jack Graham, Zeke Anderson, Tureiti Heta, Xavier Cherrington, Jared Hona, Hauraki Brown, Jarred Hill, Nathaniel Taylor, Ethan Harkness, Curtis Williams, Angus Johnson, James Hardy, Matthew Jensen, Logan Williamson.