Australia just can’t escape the Barrett brothers, with youngest brother Jordie named in New Zealand’s U20s squad for next month’s Oceania Championships.
Jordie 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 on the Gold Coast, 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.
SQUAD
New Zealand U20s for Oceania U20s
Forwards
Harrison Allan - Canterbury
Asafo Aumua- Wellington
Sam Caird - Waikato
Adrian Choat - Auckland
Tom Christie - Canterbury
Ryan Coxon - Waikato
Tim Farrell - Hawkes Bay
Alex Fidow - Wellington
Luke Jacobson © - Waikato
Ezekiel Lindenmuth - Auckland
Marino Mikaele -Tuu - Hawkes Bay
Dalton Papalii - Auckland
Jacob Pierce - Auckland
John (JP) Sauni - Auckland
Samuel Slade - Auckland
Pouri Rakete-Stones - Hawkes Bay
Isaia Walker-Leawere - Wellington
Backs
Jordie Barrett (VC)- Taranaki
Caleb Clarke- Auckland
Ereatara Enari - Canterbury
Braydon Ennor- Canterbury
Tima Faingaanuku -Tasman
Tiaan Falcon- Hawkes Bay
Will Jordan- Canterbury
Kemara Hauiti-Parapara - Wellington
Orbyn Leger - Counties
Josh McKay - Canterbury
Jona Nareki - Otago
Carlos Price - Wellington
Tamati Tua - Northland
