Wairarapa Bush squad boasts US reps

Three players from the Wellington-based Old Boys University club have been named in a 33-strong Wairarapa-Bush rugby squad to prepare for a match against New Zealand Universities at Memorial Park, Masterton on April 17.

Eric Fry was a tighthead prop for the United States at the 2011 Rugby World Cup, Taylor Okate is a loose forward who has represented the US at sevens and midfield back Titapu Pairama-Lewington has played for Wellington at under-20 level. Wairarapa-Bush head coach Mark Rutene said the trio had all been recommended by OBU coach Paddy Gough, who is also the assistant coach for this season's Wairarapa-Bush Heartland championship team.

There are several other new faces in the extended training squad too, including some Fijian players who have joined up with either Pukeoi or Gladstone.

The full squad is:-

Front row: Wilba Davies (Martinborough), Kurt Simmonds (Greytown), Eric Fry (Old Boys University), Daniel George (Martinborough), Jake Tipene (Bush), Jamie Hunt (Bush), Campbell Lawrence (Bush).

Locks: Sam Marshall-Wilton (Bush), Rangi Wolland (Bush), Andrew Mclean (Gladstone).

Loose forwards: Johan Van Vliet (Eketahuna), Rupeni Tamani (Eketahuna), Taylor Mokate (Old Boys University), Joe Feast (East Coast), Lee Ewe (Pioneer), James Goodger (Marist). Jared Hawkins (Martinborough), John McFadzean (Carterton).

Halfbacks:Cody Whittaker (Carterton), Matt O'Connor (East Coast), Epeli Rayaqayaqa (Puketoi).

Inside backs: Byron Karaitiana (East Coast), Tipene Haira (East Coast), Guy Wood (Gladstone).

Midfielders: Heemi Tupaea (Rams), Titapu Pairama-Lewington (Old Boys University), Tommy Harmon (Pioneer), Jim Temoci (Gladstone).

Outside backs: Nick Olson (East Coast), Jessie McGilvary (East Coast), Tapanga Isaac (Greytown), Eroni Gaunavou (Puketoi), Kieran Te Whare (Martinborough).

The first training session will be held at Memorial Park next Wednesday at 6.30pm.