Hurricanes Youth Rugby Council name strong U18 Team to play Crusaders U18

Photo Credit - David Brownlie

23 of the Hurricanes region’s top under 18 years of age rugby players, have been selected to form the squad to play a Crusaders Region Under 18 Team at Christchurch’s Rugby Park, on Saturday, 16 July.

Representing 10 different schools, 7 of the players are from Wellington, 7 from Hawkes Bay, 6 from Manawatu, 2 from Poverty Bay, and 1 from East Coast. Four players who do not currently attend secondary school in the region qualify under the team’s eligibility criteria based on their age and Provincial Union affiliation.

Head Coach Darren Larsen is looking forward to the challenge of taking the team to Christchurch for Saturday’s match, which kicks-off at 2.00pm.

“It’s been a demanding process to select a squad of 23 players from the huge pool of talent that was available to the team’s selectors. We’re looking forward to the boys implementing their learnings from the Development Camp this week, resulting in a quality performance on Saturday.”

Hurricanes High Performance Manager, Chris Stirling, is also pleased with the ability of the group and the potential they offer for the future.

“We consider that the Hurricanes Club is extremely fortunate to be able to select a team that represents some of the best youth talent in the region every year. The boys selected will value their opportunity to wear the Hurricanes jersey and become part of a growing tradition of recognising our emerging players.”
The U18 Team forms part of the comprehensive programme for teenage rugby administered by the Hurricanes Youth Rugby Council on behalf of the regions 8 Provincial Unions. Council Chairman, Gordon Noble-Campbell said.

“The Hurricanes Region is a strong contributor to the strength of New Zealand Rugby at all levels, both through our Provincial Union Teams and our Super Rugby affiliation with the Hurricanes. This team is an important part of growing that link to create future success.” 

1. NUMIA Xavier - St Patrick's College
2. DEVERY Jacob - Hastings Boys High
3. FARRELL Tim - Napier Boys High
4. AH KUOI Naitoa - Wellington College
5. BAUCKHAM Liam - Hastings Boys High
6. RUAWAI - Matene - PNBHS
7. TIPOKI Naera - Gisborne Boys High
8. IOSE Brayden - PNBHS
9. PRICE Carlos - St Kentigern
10. MCCLUTCHIE Lincoln - Hastings Boys
11. DAWAI Mosese - Feilding High School
12. TO'O Denny - Rongotai College
13. PLUMTREE Reece - Wellington College
14. KOROI Vilimoni - Feilding High School
15. GARDEN-BACHOP Connor - Scots College
16. TE PUNI - Te Ariki - PNBHS
17. KERERU-SYMES Keanu - Hastings Boys High
18. MATENGA Sam - Gisborne Boys High 
19. CIRIKIDAVETA Te Ahiwaru - St Kentigern
20. TREMAIN Will - Napier Boys High
21. SWORD Regan - Marist St Pat's
22. TUFUGA Ueta - Massey University
23. TOALA Danny - Hastings Boys High

Looking for Hurricanes U18 Development Camp photos? CLICK HERE
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