Classy Whanganui product Stephen Perofeta has been named the favoured first-five in the New Zealand squad to compete at the World Rugby Under-20 Championship in Manchester, England, next month.
Head Coach Scott Robertson said the coaching team was confident their squad offered skill sets and versatility that provided both experienceand fresh fire power.
"We've got six players from Super Rugby teams, two guys returning from last year's team, and we have nine players young enough to be eligible to play again next year. It's a good balance: a little bit of experience, youth and exuberance from the young fellas, and the professionalism from the Super players," Robertson said.
Heartland Player of the Year nominee Perofeta who, while still at Wanganui Collegiate as a Year 13 student last year, was a key weapon in Wanganui's road to Meads Cup victory in the Heartland Championship last season. Perofeta was selected for the New Zealand Heartland XV squad and went on to run up 58 points in just three matches.
He has also featured in the test against Australia in the first two games of the Oceania Series at Bond University on the Gold Coast.
Proving that rugby genes run strong in the family, Jordie Barrett, younger brother of All Black Beauden Barrett, and Fin Hoeata, brother of former All Black and Maori All Black Jarrad Hoeata, are also set to travel to Manchester.
Also named is 2015 Age Grade Player of the Year nominee Alex Fidow of Wellington.
Loose forward Mitchell Jacobson returns for a remarkable third year with the Under 20 campaign, and this year is joined by younger brother and fellow loose forward, Luke.
