Barrett named in strong New Zealand U20 squad

Hurricanes utility back Jordie Barrett has been named in New Zealand’s squad for next month’s Oceania Championships which will be held on Australia's Gold Coast.

Barrett was part of the Kiwi side last year and since then has caught attention in Super Rugby, even eclipsing superstar brother Beauden in some outings.

The 20-year-old has been handed the vice-captaincy of the team to compete against Australia, FIji and Samoa over two weeks in May.

New Zealand’s squad will be an experienced one, with nine players from last year’s World Championships included and 13 who have had U20s experience at some level in the past.

Coach Craig Philpott said it wasn't easy to whittle down the squad for the championships.

“Up to this point we have had 50 odd players at our previous training camps and we had to make some tough calls to whittle the squad down to 30,” he said.

“The camps highlighted we have good depth in most positions, and selections were particularly competitive in the loose forwards and outside backs, where a number of players will feel rightfully disappointed that they didn’t make the squad.  

“Oceania provides us a great opportunity to prepare for the Under 20 World Championship in Georgia in June, especially because both tournaments follow the same format.

“We will play three test matches in the space of 12 days, which is something many of the players won’t be used to.

“It is also an opportunity to get together as a team and get to know each other better, play and train together in a tournament environment and develop our team culture.”

One of last year’s junior Kiwi stars, Stephen Perofeta has not been included due to injury.

New Zealand U20 squad:

Forwards: Harrison Allan, Asafo Aumua, Sam Caird, Adrian Choat, Tom Christie, Ryan Coxon, Tim Farrell, Alex Fidow, Luke Jacobson (c), Ezekiel Lindenmuth, Marino Mikaele, Dalton Papalii, Jacob Pierce, John (JP) Sauni, Samuel Slade, Pouri Rakete-Stones, Isaia Walker-Leawere

Backs:  Jordie Barrett (vc), Caleb Clarke, Ereatara Enari, Braydon Ennor, Tima Faingaanuku, Tiaan Falcon, Will Jordan, Kemara Hauiti-Parapara, Orbyn Leger, Josh McKay, Jona Nareki, Carlos Price, Tamati Tua