Rotorua well represented in BOP U15's training squad

BOP rep squads have been named and Taupō has retained the Jock Hobbs Memorial National Under 19 Tournament. Photo/File

Rotorua rugby players have made up a big chunk of the Bay of Plenty Under 15 wider training squad.

Bay of Plenty Under 15 head coach Tim Syme and his assistants Te Atirau Ohia and Chris Elvin announced the 36-man squad yesterday, which featured players from 12 Bay of Plenty secondary schools.

The 2018 Bay of Plenty Rollers Mills and Wasps squads were also announced today, with this year's Roller Mills Tournament to take place in Cambridge from October 9-14.

The Wasps Development side will play King Country and Thames Valley on September 9 and September 23 respectively.

Meanwhile, Taupō has retained hosting rights for the annual Jock Hobbs Memorial National Under 19 tournament for three years from 2019.

Taupō has been the home of the tournament since 2014, with its current five-year hosting agreement to end after the 2018 tournament.

New Zealand Rugby head of participation and development Steve Lancaster said King Country Rugby Football Union and Taupō District Council put together a comprehensive proposal to seal the deal.

"We have been impressed with how King Country has delivered previous tournaments, and have had overwhelming feedback from participating teams that Owen Delany Park and Taupō are well suited to this tournament."

Taupō District mayor David Trewavas said he was delighted to see the tournament remaining in Taupō.

"This event is a significant part of the annual rugby calendar, and brings a lot of visitors to the district.

"The standard of the rugby is really high. Some of these players will go on to represent New Zealand on the world stage."

The 2018 tournament will be played September 9-15, with players taking part in development programmes on non-game days.

Bay of Plenty Under 15 Wider Training Squad:

Aquinas College:
Toby Taylor

John Paul College:
Owen Fuller
Finley Gielen-Lily

Katikati College:
Saimone Lino
Tomasi Vakasiuola

Mount Maunganui College:
Shae Tutaki

Otumoetai College:
Kobie Borrell

Papamoa College:
Tamanui Pungatara

Rotorua Boys' High School:
Bless Perese-Elliot
Caleb Turner-Kino
Flynn Simmons
Julius Waldron
Kitt Grace
Liam Kalan
Miles Tapsell
Ngakohu Walker
Noah Mcmahon
Taichi Tsubouchi
Will Florence

Tauranga Boys' College:
Brayden Dew
Dante Gardiner
James Ririnui
Josaiah Lewis
Mitchell Howe
Slade Baker-Taingahue
Sloane Lankshear

Te Puke High School:
Brad-Lee Te Peeti

Te Wharekura o Mauao:
Tai Soloman
Jericho Yorke
Ngawaka Ririnui
Patukino Williams
Tawa Ngatoko
Trevel Gardiner-Hano

Trident High School:
Te Iwi Kepa
Otaki Karikari

Western Heights High School:
Tiki Patu-Ngataiawhio

Bay of Plenty Roller Mills:

Rangitaiki:Tauwhare Monaghan

Tauranga East:
Preston Sykes
Carter Rodgers
Brayden Stowers
Ethan Chamberlan

Tauranga North:
Isaac Joyce

Tauranga West:
Kashius Farmer

Te Puke:
Aidan Spratley
John Tamihana
Carlos Miln
Kerry O'Reilly
Leevi Manahi
Tiare Tiapo
Hohepa Kokiri
Blaise Walker
Rico Kelly
Maloni Bale
Kegan Rae
Malakai Cama
Wyndham Patuawa
Aaron Gibbs*
Carson Edwards*

Whakatane:
Tio Morehu
Jai Tamati

* Injury cover

Wasps Development:

Tauranga East:
Marley Igason

Tauranga North:
Jack Attwood
Finn Johnstone
Charlie Sinten

Tauranga West:
Aaron Riley
Dylan Henderson
Kelemete Lasaqa
Gregory Canterbury
Katai Zinyowera
Manihera Gardnier
Max Broadmore

Te Puke:
Jayden Cooper
Tyi Sinkinson
Tiare Taiapo
Marco Miln
Leon Edmonds

Whakatane:
Campbell Henderson
Rihari Biddle
Liam Inman
Jake Laurent*

Rangitaiki:
Mikaere Te Maipi

Rotorua Maroon:
Wiremu Brailey
Marrick Percell