Eleven players from the Bay of Plenty have been named as part of the University of Waikato Chiefs Under 20's for 2021.

Bernie Hati, Cassius Misa, Curtis Palmer, Jona Mataiciwa, Josh Bartlett, Kane O'Connor, Lucas Cashmore, Melino Fotu, Nikora Broughton, Tu'kalikali Vaipulu and Veveni Lasaqa make up the BOP contingent.

The BOP representation does not stop with the players. James Porter and Scott Joblin are on the coaching team whilst Rachel Lambert and Lauren MacDonald will be team physios.

The exciting squad will be steadily guided by Waikato's Paul Hodder and assisted by Greg Smith, Jarrad Hoeata, Chad Shepherd and Porter.

Hodder and his assistants have selected a 34-man squad from across Chiefs country.

The squad will be reduced to 26 for the Super Rugby Under 20's Tournament to be held in Taupo early April.

'We began the process in November, and it has been a tough decision selecting the squad after training, testing and trials,” says head coach Hodder.

'During this time, players have stepped up with their conditioning and skill level, along with big travel commitments. We have been impressed with their commitment and all players can be proud of their achievements.

'We have a good balance of both Under 20 and Under 19 players which will put us in a good position for the future.”

Hodder says preparation over the coming weeks will be important for the Super Rugby Under 20 tournament.

'With three games in a week, which will be physically and mentally taxing, our preparation will be key to perform against the best in New Zealand at Under 20 level.”

Chiefs Rugby club player ID and development manager Kent Currie says the tournament provides the club with the opportunity to educate a talented pool of players from within the Chiefs Region.

'The Super Rugby Under 20 Tournament is a fantastic new initiative by New Zealand Rugby,” says Currie.

'Our players are excited to be playing on home soil against the best Under 20 players in our country.

'The provincial academy programmes within the Chiefs region are operating to a high standard at present and it has given us a big depth of talent to choose from. This campaign gives us an opportunity to educate the players about the values of Chiefs Rugby.”

2021 University of Waikato Chiefs Under 20's:

Adam Lennox (Taranaki), Ben Strang (Waikato), Bernie Hati (Bay of Plenty), Cassius Misa (Bay of Plenty), Cody Nordstrom (Waikato), Curtis Palmer (Bay of Plenty), Daniel Sinkinson (Waikato), Gideon Wrampling (Waikato), Hakaria Richards-Coxhead (Waikato), Havila Molia (Waikato), Hemopo Cunningham (Taranaki), Ioane Moananu (Counties Manukau), Jadin Kingi (Counties Manukau), JJ Pokai (Taranaki), Jona Mataiciwa (Bay of Plenty), Josh Bartlett (Bay of Plenty), Josh Hopkins (Taranaki), Josh Jacomb (Taranaki), Kane O'Connor (Bay of Plenty), Larenz Tupaea Thomsen (Counties Manukau), Latrell Smiler - Ah Kiong (Waikato), Lucas Cashmore (Bay of Plenty), Mason Tupaea (Waikato), Melino Fotu (Bay of Plenty), Nathaniel Peters (Taranaki), Nikora Broughton (Bay of Plenty), Niwa Barlow (Taranaki), Scott Jury (Taranaki), Te Paea Cook-Savage (Waikato), Te Rama Reuben (Waikato), Tevita Ofa (Counties Manukau), Thor Manase (Counties Manukau), Tu'kalikali Vaipulu (Bay of Plenty), Veveni Lasaqa (Bay of Plenty).

Team Management:

Head Coach: Paul Hodder (Waikato), Scrum & Defence: Greg Smith (Waikato), Forwards & Lineout: Jarrad Hoeata (Taranaki), Skills: Chad Shepherd (Counties Manukau), Contact & Analysis: James Porter (Bay of Plenty), Manager: David Fox (Waikato), Trainers: Tim Hurst (Waikato) & Scott Joblin (Bay of Plenty), Physiotherapists: Rachel Lambert (Bay of Plenty) & Lauren MacDonald (Bay of Plenty)

Fixtures:

Saturday, April 3: Blues Under 20s vs. University of Waikato Chiefs Under 20s, Bombay, 1.00pm.

Saturday, April 10 – Saturday, April 17: Super Rugby U20 Tournament, Taupo.