Rugby: Northland's Tamati Tua selected for NZ U20 camp

Tamati Tua will join other promising young players at the next New Zealand Under 20s camp. Photo/John Stone

Northlander Tamati Tua is continuing his rise as a rugby player with selection into the second development camp for the New Zealand Under-20s.

Tua, a promising young midfielder, impressed selectors with a top showing at the first camp in December last year after a strong inaugural campaign for Northland.

He has been playing for the Blues U20s team, giving a strong performance in their latest match against the Chiefs U20s.

New Zealand Under-20s coach Craig Philpott said selection into this side sets players up to succeed at the highest level.

"Playing for New Zealand Under-20s can be the launch pad to a professional rugby career, and this development camp is an integral component of the player development system in this country," he said.

"This programme is a great breeding ground for new talent to put their hands up for higher honours.

"Ten players from last year's under-20 team have been selected for Investec Super Rugby squads this year and 23 of the players on last years All Blacks end of year tour have previously been part of the under-20 programme."

Meanwhile, after impressing with two good starts for the Blues, hooker Matt Moulds will move to the bench in order to accommodate All Blacks hooker James Parsons into the starting lineup.

Moulds has proven his worth with good defensive performances and sound set piece work

Loose forward Kara Pryor is in line to make his season debut after being bracketed on the bench with Akira Ioane.