Back in Black

The 19-year-old hooker has been selected once again for the New Zealand Under 20s Squad. He will join the 31 players bound for South Africa, to compete in the U20 Rugby Championship in May.

“It was a pretty surreal feeling, obviously got the opportunity last year to be amongst that group, guess it’s a sigh of relief to get the call again.”

His dad was the first to hear the big news.

“He’s probably a big rock of mine growing up with my footy career - how it’s evolved and the journey I’ve taken.”

During the round robin championship last year, New Zealand took home the trophy defeating South Africa in the final. This is Letiu’s last opportunity to play in this age group at national level and is gunning to make the most of it.

Letiu connected with new Head Coach Milton Haig earlier in the year, and had good discussions surrounding Haig’s expectations of him as a player, and of the team. 

The importance of team connection was also discussed, which Letiu says was the recipe for success for the squad last year, and will be again this year. Looking through the squad this year, he’s happy to see a lot of fresh faces and new talent.

“I think just make sure that we connect well in that camp, and for the boys who’s first time in the environment feel comfortable enough to express themselves, and I feel like we’re gonna have some success in that.” 

Letiu made his Crusaders debut against the Hurricanes in the first round of the 2024 Super Rugby Season. From training with the Crusaders he understands the schedule and how to approach training with professionalism, which he will carry through to the U20 campaign. Key to work on will be his throwing as well as nailing his key role as a hooker. 

“Under 20s will be a great platform for me to take what I’ve learned and actually apply it into playing with my own age.”