The Bay of Plenty Rugby Union Under 16 wider training group has been announced today.
The results come after an intensive two-day selection process hosted by the Bay of Plenty Union's resource coaching team last week.
The process started with 62 nominated players from across the Bay of Plenty, who assembled at Blake Park in order to pursue their dreams of playing in a Bay jersey.
After sessions with the union's nutritional advisor and the strength and conditioning coaching team, players completed a half-day of skill development under Steamers assistant coach Rodney Gibbs alongside Bay of Plenty Under 19 head coach Mike Rodgers.
The final day ended with players being separated into two teams before a final team selection was announced to play Otumoetai College 1st XV.
Bay of Plenty Under 16 campaign manager Ian Parata said: "We were pleased to be able to offer 60 of our most promising Under 16 players exposure to the world of high-performance rugby".
Parata said highlighting the invaluable experience for the trialists.
"To work alongside the Bay of Plenty Steamers' assistant coach and our Under 19 head coach was a highlight for many of the young men. They will always remember the fitness training under our high-performance strength and conditioning coach and the tough standards that are applied in a professional rugby environment," Parata said.
Head coach Barry Ririnui, assisted by Aaron Bidois and Archie Grant, then selected the following 28 players:
Aquinas College:
Darcy Hoskin
Taine Rush
Katikati College:
Tesimoni Uilou
Lesen Huiarangi
Sositeni Tautuaa
Opotiki College:
Rory McGough
Rotorua Boys High School:
Te Ao Billing
Nirai Ririnui
Zach Ririnui
Te Rama Rueben
Haruto Takahashi
Manaia Church
Tauranga Boys High School:
Josh Baxter
Josh Bartlett
Veveni Lasaqa
Jed Jager
Kyle Martin
Jake McKean
Campbell Lucas
Kawhena Malcom
Te Puke High School:
Wiremu Heyblom
Te Whare Kura O Mauao:
Kaea Tane
Trident High School:
Chicane Paniora
Ethan Wharewera
Nephi Sanerieve
Rihari Jobe
