Rugby: Scott Gregory makes NZSS Barbarians squad

Scott Gregory has impressed at high school level, making the NZSS Barbarians squad.

Whangarei Boys' High School has churned out another promising young rugby prospect.

Scott Gregory, a midfielder, has been named in the New Zealand Secondary Schools Barbarians squad for their upcoming matches against Fiji and Australia.

Gregory has had an impressive year, captaining WBHS' First XV to the semi-finals of the North Harbour 1A First XV competition.

They were unable to secure a spot in the final after a good season.

Gregory was also a member of the Northland Under 18s and Blues Under 18s.

WBHS sports co-ordinator Mark Oldridge said it was a great moment for Gregory and the school.

"This is outstanding news for the school and Northland rugby," he said.

The 2016 New Zealand Schools and Barbarians Schools teams were named by former All Black and New Zealand Barbarians President, Ron Williams, and New Zealand Secondary Schools Rugby Union Chairman, Garry Chronican.

Of the squad, New Zealand Barbarians head coach Ryan Martin said they had t plenty of depth.

"We've got a core group from Top 4 College XV National tournament finalists, Hastings Boys' High School as well as a good spread of talent from around the country, which underlines the depth in the schools' game," he said.

"We're aiming to play with lots of width and the traditional 'Barbarian' flair so I think we're in for an exciting couple of matches."

The Barbarians take on Australia Schools on October 3 and follow that with a clash against Fiji Schools five days later on October 8.

The match against Fiji will be broadcast on the Rugby Channel on Sky TV.

Barbarians squad: Naitoa Ah Kuoi (Wellington College), Suetena Asomua (Wesley College), Kaylum Boshier (New Plymouth Boys' High School), Sam Dickson, Ricky Jackson (Otago Boys' High School), Leicester Faingaanuku (Nelson College), Folau Fakatava, Kianu Kereru-Symes, Lincoln McClutchie, Danny Toala (Hastings Boys' High School), Connor Garden-Bachop (Scots College), Scott Gregory (Whangarei Boys High School), Joe Johnston (King's College), Perry Karati (Burnside High School), Niven Longopoa (Mt Albert Grammar School), Tevita Mafileo, Tanielu Bakulich-Tele'a (St Kentigern College), Sam Matenga (Gisborne Boys' High School), Matene Ruawai (Palmerston North Boys High School), Cameron Suafoa (St Peter's College), Kaleb Trask (Rotorua Boys' High School), Quinn Tupaea (Hamilton Boys' High School), Tupou Vaai (Wesley College).