Trio look to represent New Zealand

Rotorua Boys' High School half back Te Ra Whata is one of three students from the school's first XV selected for a three day New Zealand Schools rugby squad development camp.

Three Rotorua Boys' High School players have been selected in the New Zealand Schools rugby squad for a three-day development camp at AUT Millennium in Auckland later this month.

Following this camp selectors will name the 2016 New Zealand Schools and New Zealand Schools Barbarians sides to play Australia and Fiji Schools next month.

Boys' High 1st XV players Hayze Perham, Te Ra Whata and Kaleb Trask are among those vying for places.

Boys' High 1st XV coach and director of rugby, Ngarimu Simpkins, said the players had all worked hard to get where they are.

''They have been stand outs for the Rotorua Boys' High School side, that's what's got them into the squad,'' he said.

''It's about how hard these boys have worked in the off season over the last couple of years. It's not just a one year thing, they have actually worked hard over the last couple of years, so they deserve the opportunity.''

The standard of competition being played was also crucial.

''It's also a reflection of the quality of rugby we play in the Super 8 competition. It's a hard competition week in, week out, and for a school boy to be playing that week in, week out, is huge. Obviously they are going to grow as a rugby player and these three have certainly done that.''

Trask has already signed a contract with the Bay of Plenty Steamers Academy and Perham and Whata could also be heading into the professional ranks.

''I hear they're in talks with other unions at the moment, but they are keeping their feet on the ground. They are over the moon and the school is really proud of them, and it's exciting that our model's working at Rotorua Boys' High School. To get three boys in there and for them to be at the top level, it's awesome for the school.''

Trask and Whata are both Year 13, while Perham is still in Year 12.

''Hayze has worked really hard, and for a Year 12 to get in there is awesome,'' said Simpkins.

While Trask has played fullback several times this season, Simpkins sees him as a first five, the position he has been named at in the secondary schools squad.

''I've always thought he was an outstanding first five, but what he can bring in terms of speed at the back is the reason we've played him at the back. But I definitely think his leadership at 10 means he is going to really stand out there.''

2016 New Zealand Schools schedule
October 3
New Zealand Barbarians Schools v Australia Schools
NZ Schools v Fiji Schools
Mt Albert Grammar, Auckland
October 8
New Zealand Barbarians Schools v Fiji Schools
New Zealand Schools v Australia Schools
Auckland Grammar, Auckland