It's official: Jordie Barrett will stay with the Hurricanes, meaning the New Zealand Under 20s will not have access to potentially their best player for the World Rugby Under 20 Championship in Georgia later this month.
Barrett's involvement was always doubtful once it became clear that Nehe Milner-Skudder's return to Super Rugby was taking longer than first hoped. Blues fullback/first five Stephen Perofeta has also been omitted from the 28-man squad as he has yet to return to rugby and it was felt his match fitness would be lacking if he travelled. Peter Umaga-Jensen of the Hurricanes was already ruled out due to a shoulder operation.
Those who missed the cut from the side that swept the Oceania series in Australia last week were props Harrison Allan of Canterbury and Rob Cobb of Auckland, the latter having been injury cover last week, halfback Carlos Price of Wellington and first five Ciarahn Matoe of Taranaki. It still looks a powerful combination, with much versatility in the backline.
Head coach Craig Philpott said it was a difficult task to whittle the squad down to the 28 that will go to Georgia.
"All 32 players we took on the successful Oceania tournament campaign put their hands up for selection, and all merited the opportunity to wear the black jersey in Georgia. We had to make some tough calls and no doubt there will be some disappointed players.
