The Bay of Plenty Under 18 Coaching team of Craig Sinkinson and James Porter, have selected a side that reflects the diversity of Bay of Plenty Rugby.

While Secondary School heavyweights Tauranga Boys College and Rotorua Boys High School have strong representation, there is a good selection from smaller schools and a rugby club.

The process to select the best Under 18 rugby talent in the Bay, has combined the regular use of talent scouts throughout the season, a skills assessment session and a final trial game.

This season a greater talent identification program has been put in place and has been overseen by Steamers Coaches Kevin Schuler and John Walters, along with BOPRU Player Development Manager Dean Jennings.

The aim is to develop home grown Steamers from an upgraded player pathway.

The Bay of Plenty Age Group team will compete in the Northern Region Under 18 A competition, in August and September.

The Bay side will open their Northern Region campaign at home at Blake Park Mount Maunganui against Auckland East, before backing up a week later against the Auckland West representatives.

The round robin match against Waikato will be followed by a special treat for the Bay side who will provide the curtain raiser the Steamers ITM Cup match-up with Auckland on Friday (September 14), at the Rotorua International Stadium.

BOPRU Under 18 Representative Team

Forwards: Rudi Moss, Nathan Toma, Eru Wano (Rotorua BHS) Dave Fellows (Bethlehem College) Aiden Ross, Carlin Tata, Mungo Mason (Tauranga Boys College) Mike Webber (Opotiki College) Sean Peake (Te Puke Sports) Jack Bird Josh White (John Paul College) Max McLaren (Mount Maunganui College) Ryan Hatheway (Reporoa College)

Backs: Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, Ryubyn Vaipo, Brock Smith, Mason Walker (Rotorua BHS) Carlos Savage, Dan Hollinshead, Jayden Tane, Wemin Kapia (Tauranga Boys College) Cameron Watkins (Trident HS) Junior Taia (Western Heights HS) Daniel Kayes (Mount Maunganui College) Mike Booth (Bethlehem College)

Additional Players invited to training: Jackson Edwards (Mount Maunganui College) Matt Cole (Bethlehem College)

Head Coach: Craig Sinkinson Assistant Coach: James Porter

BOPRU Under 18 Northern Regional Competition Program

25 August v Auckland East, Blake Park Mount Maunganui

1 September v Auckland West – venue tba

8 September v Waikato – venue tba

22 September v Counties Manukau, Rotorua International stadium (ITM Cup curtain-raiser)

29 September Finals Day Playoffs @ Counties Manukau