The New Zealand Under 20 squad to travel to France in June for the IRB Junior World Championship in France has been named today.

Head Coach Chris Boyd, and his Assistant Coaches Chris Gibbes and Liam Barry have today selected their squad of 28 following a selection camp and trial in Palmerston North this week.

The squad is:

FORWARDS



Front rowers:

Donald Brighouse Wellington

Epalahame Faiva Waikato

Nick Grogan Manawatu

Alexander Hodgman Canterbury

Sione Mafileo North Harbour

Kalafi Pongi Counties Manukau

Boyd Wiggins North Harbour

Locks:

Scott Barrett Canterbury

Jackson Hemopo Otago

Patrick Tuipulotu Auckland

Christopher Vui Auckland

Loose Forwards:

Adam Burn Waikato

Joseph Edwards Auckland

Jordan Manihera North Harbour

Hadleigh May Otago

Ardie Savea Wellington

BACKS



Halfbacks:

Tayler Adams Southland

Sheridan Rangihuna Hawke's Bay

First five-eighths:

Simon Hickey Auckland

Jade Te Rure Manawatu

Midfield backs:

Michael Collins Otago

Jason Emery Manawatu

Fa'asiu Fuatai Otago

Teihorangi Walden Otago

Outside backs:

Penikolo Latu Hawke's Bay

Leroy Van Dam Auckland

Lolagi Visinia Auckland

Joseph Webber Waikato

The squad includes Highlanders centre Jason Emery and Hurricanes loose forward Ardie Savea, Chiefs wider training group fullback Joe Webber and Blues wider training group players, loose forward Joe Edwards and outside back Lolagi Visinia.

The squad includes a total 12 players who played ITM Cup last year. Boyd said the competition for spots in this year’s squad had been fierce with many of the 48 contenders demonstrating they had worked hard on their fitness and technique over the summer.

“I think the squad we have selected has been a good balance of hard workers and natural talent. This is the culmination of a seven-month programme to identify our potential squad, and to develop those players,” Boyd said.

The New Zealand Under 20 squad is assembled in Palmerston North today for continued training until Sunday 28 April. They will reassemble prior to departure to France, in Auckland on Monday 27 May.

An updated media schedule will be issued prior to the May camp.

New Zealand Under 20 IRB JWC pre-departure (May) camp: Bruce Pulman Lodge, Papakura, Auckland.

Monday 27 May: Team assembles

Wednesday 29 May: NZ U20 v Blues Development, Western Springs, kick-off 6:30pm

Departure: Thursday 30 May, 5.30pm, Auckland International Airport, Flight EK435

IRB Junior World Championship schedule:

Pool B: New Zealand, Ireland, Australia, Fiji.

Wednesday 5 June: NZ v Fiji, Vannes

Sunday 9 June: NZ v Australia, Vannes

Thursday 13 June: NZ v Ireland, Vannes

Tuesday 18 June: play off matches including semifinals

Sunday 23 June: Finals