Bay player Kaleb Trask. Photo/File
Rotorua's Kaleb Trask has been named in the New Zealand Under 20 squad for the Oceania Rugby Championship in Australia.
The former Rotorua Boys' High School player is a member of the Bay of Plenty Rugby Academy and is currently training with the Chiefs.
He played for the Chiefs Under 20 side last Saturday, helping them to a 53-5 win over their Hurricanes counterparts.
His father Richard Trask said the national selection was a step in the right direction for his son, but the goal now was to play well in Australia and be selected for the World Championship in May.
Head coach Craig Philpott said more than 60 players had been involved in the camps to this point, which made the final selection a tough process.
"We feel we have selected a team that is capable of playing the New Zealand brand of rugby. This is a skilful group of well-conditioned athletes who are also good young men," Philpott said.
Canterbury's Tom Christie will captain the team. The loose forward was a member of the 2017 World Championship winning squad, has Mitre 10 Cup experience and spent time with the Crusaders during the pre-season.
"Tom understands what is required to be involved in a successful World Championship campaign. He comes out of a strong professional environment and is a quality leader who we are confident will meet the challenge head-on."
Alongside Christie, there are five returning players who played in the Oceania Championships last year, as well as six players who will be eligible again in 2019.
The squad will assemble in Auckland next month before departing for the Gold Coast on April 24.
"This tournament is crucial in our World Championship preparation. It's the opportunity to take the group away for two weeks, get to know them more closely and for them to understand the responsibilities that come with wearing the black jersey.
"It also sees us play three games in 12 days which mirrors pool play in the World Championship so that helps players to understand what is required in terms of recovery and self-management," Philpott said.
The Oceania Rugby Under 20 Championship will see New Zealand play matches against Tonga, Fiji and Australia. The team will be looking to claim the fifth title in as many years.
The World Rugby Under 20 Championship kicks off in France in May. New Zealand will face Japan, Wales and Australia in pool play.
Forwards:
John Akau'ola-Laula - Auckland, Suetena Asomua - Counties Manukau, Tom Christie (captain) - Canterbury, Rob Cobb - Auckland, Devan Flanders - Hawke's Bay, Tom Florence - Taranaki, Ricky Jackson - Otago, Tevita Mafileo - Bay of Plenty, Laghlan McWhannell - Waikato, Waimana Riedlinger-Kapa - Auckland, Bradley Slater - Taranaki
Hoskins Sotutu - Auckland, Flynn Thomas - Southland, Will Tucker - Canterbury, Kaliopasi Uluilakepa - Wellington
Backs:
Leicester Faingaanuku - Tasman, Will Jordan - Tasman, Vilimoni Koroi - Otago, Ciarahn Matoe - Taranaki, Harry Plummer - Auckland, Carlos Price - Wellington, Billy Proctor - Wellington, Ngane Punivai - Canterbury, Jay Renton - Southland, Xavier Roe - Waikato,
Bailyn Sullivan - Waikato, Tanielu Tele'a - Auckland, Kaleb Trask - Bay of Plenty
Players not considered due to injury:
Tim Farrell - Hawke's Bay, Brayden Iose - Manawatu, Ajay Mua - Bay of Plenty, Xavier Numia - Wellington, Cameron Suafoa - Auckland, Sheldon Tovio - Waikato