BOP U16 and U18 squads named

The Bay of Plenty Rugby Union has named its Under-16 and Under-18 squads today.

Eighty players in total make up the two squads – with 35 players named in the U16 squad to be led by new coach Aaron Bidios, and 45 players in the U18 squad being coached again by Nick Leask.


The Bay of Plenty Rugby Union has named its Under-16 and Under-18 squads today. File Photo.

Both teams have named extended squads to cover potential school commitments around the time of several national competitions, like the National U15, Top Four and co-ed competitions. They will be reduced closer to competition time.

BOPRU player development manager Kyle McLean says with a new coaching team under Aaron Bidois, the U16 campaign remains a challenge after the mixed results from last season.

He says the highlights this year will be the U16 team playing the curtain raiser at Waikato Stadium to a potential shield challenge by the Canterbury Mitre 10 Cup team on September 28.

'The coaching team have instilled a hard work environment this season with a focus on player character and attitude being supported by their skill set,” says Kyle.

'Players named in the final squad will be those demonstrating the extra work put in over the next five weeks around their fitness levels. The coaching staff are excited to be part of the development of our future steamers this season.”

As for this year's U18 campaign, Kyle thinks it will prove to be a tough programme with fixtures against Auckland, Auckland Divisional, North Harbour, Northland and Thames Valley U20. But Nick Leask says he and the coaching team are excited to work with the players they've named in the U18 squad.

'We face a new challenge this year in the Northern Region A competition following our success in 2015. This year, we are aiming to develop athletes who have an excellent attitude towards hard work and are reflective of their own performance,” says Nick.

BAY OF PLENTY UNDER 16 SQUAD:

Aquinas College:
Charlie Wood.

Otumoetai College:
Sam Grant.

Papamoa College:
Quinn Collard, Mahonri Ngakuru.

Rotorua Boys High School:
Kahlil Aldworth-Bidois, Manny Crawford, Cameron Gibbs, Stuart Leach, Matauranga Haira, Michael Hewlett, Nicky Jacobs, Musashi Matsuda, Caleb Olsen, Tuki Simpkins, Poukohe Sorenson-Tawhara, Kalem Strickland, Tamaikoha Te Aute.

Tauranga Boys College:
Lachlan Devereux, Sione Faiva, Gianni Pokaia, Jamaine Tawa, Shi Jie Yong.

Te Puke High School:
Teboobo Ngaroa, Pena Taumata.

Te Wharekura O Mauao:
Gilbert Bidois, Te Aparua Tata, Taituha Woller.

Trident High School:
Dale Seymour, Tamarau Karepa

Western Heights High School:
Jamie Baker-Stephens, Steven Bell, Taylor Soutar, Reuben Griffiths, Bailey Gordon.

Whakatane High School:
David Brady.

Coach:
Aaron Bidois

Assistant Coaches:
Vaughan Bidois and Kierian Botha

BAY OF PLENTY UNDER 18 SQUAD:

Bethlehem College:
Matt Leppard, Nico Aandewiel, Xavier Albert.

Katikati College:
Uliti Uilou.

Papamoa Rugby Club:
Josh Sloane.

Rotorua Boys High School:
Blake Bird, Hayze Pernham, Jake Quin, Kaleb Trask, Kaniera Jones, Matangireia Yates-Francis, Matt Van Leuwen, Pasilieo Tose, Raniera Whakataka, Reuben Te Kani, Semisi Paea, Stephen Shwenke, Sy Waiti, Taane Paki, Tarzan Smith, Te Ra Whata.

Tauranga Boys College:
Cole Forbes, Connor McLeod, Darren Skudder, Dymond Ioanne, Flynn Kelly, Gordie Lloyd, Israel Hape-Moke, Jake Malborn, Kini Ormsby, Leroy Carter, Mafi Fifita, Manaia Harawira, Peter Seeling, Sione Afu, Will Ngatai.

Te Wharekura O Mauao:
Ronin Ainsley, Tatai Proctor, Te Hira Roberts, Te Rupe Douglas.

Trident High School:
Flynn Butler, Josh Lillas, Te Huia Kutia,

Western Heights High School:
Brodie Wood, Damel Taui.

Coach:
Nick Leask

Assistant Coach:
Andy Bartrum

You may also like....

0 comments

Leave a Comment


You must be logged in to make a comment.