Rugby: Hickey named as captain of NZ Under-20s

Blues first-five Simon Hickey has been named captain of the New Zealand under-20 squad for the Junior World Championship. Photo / File.

Blues first-five Simon Hickey has been named captain of the New Zealand under-20 squad for the Junior World Championship to be held in Auckland in June.

"We think Simon will provide some great leadership for the team given his experience both on the field and in this team environment,'' coach Chris Boyd said.

The squad was selected following a trial in Palmerston North on Monday, although Hickey, who will start for the Blues against the Waratahs at Eden Park on Friday, wasn't involved in that.

"We're pretty happy with the squad we have selected,'' Boyd said. "We've got a very hard working and efficient forward pack supported by a very exciting backline with plenty of talent.

"We expect to play a traditional New Zealand style of rugby _ high tempo and expansive style of rugby.

"At the same time, we know that we will need to be strong on defence to off-set other areas of our game.''

On playing for the first time at home, Boyd said the players were well aware that playing the Junior World Championship at home was a rare opportunity.

"The boys are aware that this is a special occasion to be playing a tournament in our own back yard. They are looking forward to the challenge of playing at home, but they are also relishing the opportunity to showcase their style of rugby in front of family and friends.''

Squad:
Forwards: Lachlan Boshier, Taranaki; Timothy Cadwallader, Manawatu; Troy Callander, Bay of Plenty; Geoffrey Cridge, Hawke's Bay; Joshua Dickson, Otago; Epalahame Faiva, Waikato; Kyle Harris, Otago; Mitchell Jacobson, Waikato; Tau Koloamatangi, Waikato, Scott Mellow, Taranaki; Atunaisa Moli, Waikato; James O'Reilly, Wellington; Matthew Peni, Wellington; Tom Sanders, Canterbury; James Tucker, Waikato.
Backs: Mitchell Drummond, Canterbury; Kaveinga Finau, Canterbury; Leon Fukofuka, Auckland; Tinoai (TJ) Faiane, Auckland; Jackson Garden-Bachop, Wellington; Simon Hickey (captain), Auckland; Tevita Li, North Harbour; Anton Lienert-Brown, Waikato; Damian McKenzie, Waikato; Richard Mo'unga, Canterbury; Joshua Renton, Otago; Vincent Tavae-Aso, Auckland; Tauasosi Tuimavave, Wellington.