SR U20s 2025

[Left Right Out 0]

@Bovidae a fair few returning players from 2024. Dont know a lot of the forwards. Backs look stacked.

[Bovidae]

I don't recognise too many of that squad. Bason and Solomon were in the NZ U20s last year so likely to be there again. Falloon was in the 2024 NZ Schools team, and Tamati was previously. A few others from Super 8 and U18 games.

[Left Right Out 0]

Any idea how the Hurricanes Chiefs u20 game went today?

[Bovidae]

@Left-Right-Out-0 Was there definitely a game?

The Hurricanes U20s do play the Crusaders U20s at NZCIS on Saturday.

[Left Right Out 0]

@Bovidae yeah, from one instagram post i saw there was potentially 3x15min games or 3x20min games.

So little information.

[Bovidae]

I saw this. A lot of 2024 U18 players in the 1st half team, including some from outside the Chiefs region (Balenasia, Tasmania, Uini-Faiva, Masiri). The 2nd half team looks to have more of the expected U20 players but there are a few missing. Aisake Vakasiuola had an operation post-NPC and his arm was in a sling, so must not be fit yet.

1:30 pm Sat.

Their opposition.

[Mauss]

@Bovidae The graph intern has managed to butcher some of those names, wow. All three Feilding High players have their names spelt wrong. It's Balenaisa, Johnston, and Maisiri.

Also, is "Joey Tuamtine" supposed to be Joey Taumateine? Wouldn't he be with the NZ Sevens?

If I take my pedant cap off for a second - apologies to the graph intern - it's a great looking squad. The Chiefs U20s should be one of the favourites this year, even without Mathis and Vakasiuola.

[Bovidae]

@Mauss

That was from the BOP FB page. The Chiefs may release an official team list with provincial affiliations. I was surprised to see so many ex-FAHS players in the team. Johnston moved to Taranaki but I'm not sure about the others.

Taumateine hasn't played for the AB7s in recent tournaments so it makes sense he plays XVs. Not just Mathis, also Vaenuku could be involved again. Waisake Salabiau isn't playing either.

[Left Right Out 0]

@Mauss great call out.

Any other teams named or games this week?

I know the Canes are playing Crusaders in Wellington on Saturday. No team list yet?

[Mauss]

@Bovidae said in SR U20s 2025:

Waisake Salabiau isn't playing either.

I also thought Salabiau would still be eligible this year but a few sites - like Itsrugby and Ultimaterugby - give his birth year as 2004. Do you happen to know whether that's accurate?

[Bovidae]

@Left-Right-Out-0

There is also this game.

Maybe the Blues are playing MP.

[Bovidae]

@Mauss said in SR U20s 2025:

I also thought Salabiau would still be eligible this year but a few sites - like Itsrugby and Ultimaterugby - give his birth year as 2004. Do you happen to know whether that's accurate?

He was playing U19s last year.

[Left Right Out 0]

@Bovidae have otago named their U20 team?

[Bovidae]

I haven't been looking. One of the Highlanders fans may post if a team list is released.

[Bovidae]

Logan Wallace isn't listed as injured, but I read he has a foot injury,

[SouthernMann]

Highlanders U20s to play an Otago selection

[SouthernMann]

Zac Nichol is an interesting one. A Google says he is out of the Aussie Schools side from last year. Or is there another 18-year-old midfield back of the same name running around NZ?

[Bovidae]

Brailey is a talent. Out of Rotorua BHS, he played for the Māori U18s last year. I assume Tom Martin is the Hamilton BHS hooker from last year.

[Bovidae]

[SouthernMann]

Another interesting name is Zain Newman. The only rugby player with that name matching the age, is out of South Africa. Seems the highlanders are taking a real international approach to recruitment.