Sevens: Five Northlanders make NZ Maori Under 18s

Northland accounts for one quarter of the NZ Maori Under 18s sevens side. PHOTO/BRETT PHIBBS

Northland accounts for one quarter of the NZ Maori Under 18s sevens side after five players from the province were selected.

Robert Rush, Dennis Koro, Johnny Cooper, Kingi Herewini and Caleb Leef were all named in the 20-man squad to compete in the International U18 Tournament in Auckland this weekend.

Rush, who hails from Kerikeri but now attends St Kentigern College, also played for the Blues under-18 side and covers both lock and No8 in the 15s code. However he's proven he has the ability to play the shortened format.

He comes from a great sevens bloodline. His father Eric was a New Zealand Sevens stalwart.

Koro studies at Kerikeri High School, while Herewini (Rodney College) and Leef (Rangitoto College) will be hoping their Northland heritage helps them succeed in the squad.

Cooper has represented the Blues U18s.

The tournament will take place at Sacred Heart College in Auckland.

Full squad: Arikitohia Hood-Kaitapu (Westlake Boys), Caleb Leef (Rangitoto College), Coel Kerr (Paeroa College), Connor Moors (Liston College), Dennis Koro (Kerikeri High School), Donovan Mataira (Hastings Boys), James Te Paire (King High), Johnny Cooper (Westlake Boys), Jordan Thompson (Hastings Boys), Judda Turahui (Kings College), Justice Hall (St. John's College, Hamilton), Keelan Whitman (St. Pats Town), Kingi Herewini (Rodney College), Liam Udy-Johns (Hastings Boys), Lukas Halls (Kings College), Matiu Samuel (Rongotai College), Revin TeTawhero Storey (One Tree Hill College), Robert Rush (St. Kentigern College), Tahu Kaa (Christchurch Boys High), Valynce Crosby-Te Whare (St. Paul's Collegiate, Hamilton)