1st XV Players make the step up to Blues U20's

The Blues have named a squad of 28 under-20 players from around the region who will play for Blues Under 20 in two upcoming fixtures.

The team will play the Chiefs Under 20 this Friday, 2pm at Pukekohe. The game will act as a curtain-raiser to the Chiefs v Blues pre-season match, which kicks off at 5.05pm.

The team will also play the Hurricanes next Wednesday in Taupo.

Blues High Performance Manager Tony Hanks called the Blues Under 20 team an “important part of our High Performance Strategy.”

“The Under 20 team is a significant step in the pathway to professional rugby for young players. We’re committed to providing development and playing opportunities for players in the region.” 

“The Development programme has proved to be the springboard for a number of Blues players over the past two years, with 20 players from the development programme earning first-time Super Rugby contracts with the Blues.”
 
The team is:
Hamish Pomare - Northland

Levi Clark - Northland

Louis Ward - Northland

O’Neal Rongo - Northland

Sesimani Tupou - Northland

Dylan Lam - North Harbour

Hapakuki Moala-Liava’a - North Harbour

Jack Bergin - North Harbour

James Little - North Harbour

Lewis Gjaltema - North Harbour

Mark Telea - North Harbour

Martin Brink - North Harbour

Adrian Choat - Auckland

Afioga Ielemia - Auckland

Antonio Ripata - Auckland

Charles Napa’a - Auckland

Dalton Papali’i - Auckland

Ezekiel Lindenmuth - Auckland

Freedom Vaha’akolo - Auckland

Jacob Pierce - Auckland

Jerry Samania - Auckland

Luke Cunis - Auckland

Nikolai Foliaki - Auckland

Romero Tagi - Auckland

TJ Vaega - Auckland

Toma Tia - Auckland

Wesley Tamiefuna - Auckland

Wiseguy Faiane - Auckland

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