Stage set for NZ Under-20s squad

The squad will compete in the Under-20s Rugby Championship at the end of this month.

Captain of this year's Blues U20s squad, Rico Simpson, has been named once again. Last year he impressed being the second top point scorer in the championship, just a point behind the first.

The Super Rugby U20s player of the tournament, Eli Odenryun, had a great campaign with the Crusaders U20s. He will look to continue his standout form in the black jersey. 

The coaches will have a tough call to make in the number two jersey as Manamaua Letiu has also been named in the squad, returning to age grade level after his debut for the Crusaders earlier this year. 

The New Zealand squad will be competing in the Under-20s Rugby Championship, but the exact location and dates are yet to be released. They will go up against South Africa, Australia, and Argentina in the round robin competition. 

New Zealand Rugby High Performance Talent Identification Manager, PJ Williams, says there is a meticulous process in picking the squad.

“The selectors were looking for positional attributes as well as physical attributes and character attributes.” 

The selected team will convene in Wellington at the New Zealand Campus of Innovation and Sport (NZCIS) on April 18 for a training camp, before heading off for the Rugby Championship on April 23. Williams believes the training camp will prove key to building relationships and connections for players, as they meet each other, staff, and management for the first time.

In representing New Zealand, Williams knows all eyes will be on the squad. He says anytime a black jersey is worn there is a high expectation to win.

"I think that's with any sport in New Zealand, that you go represent your country. Our public, our background, our history is to win."

With New Zealand taking the win at the Under-20s Rugby Championship last year on the Gold Coast, they will be going in as favourites this year.