Ten Auckland based players have been named in the Samoa Under 20 team for their campaign leading into the World Rugby Under 20 Championship.

Benjamin Sau and Taniela Telea are current members of the Auckland High Performance Academy, while Taina Fox-Matamua was named Auckland Under 19 B player of the year in 2016.

It is the first time in recent years that Samoa have qualified for the tournament and will benefit from a comprehensive lead up.

Preparations have been well underway as head coach and staff scoured several countries looking for the best Samoan rugby players to don the blue jersey. 

Head Coach Fa’aofonu’u Junior Leota held several trial in effort to find the best talent on offer.

“For me its all about preparation. 

We want to get the best possible preparation for the Junior World Cup.  Obviously, we want to go in there and win everything and try different combinations just to find out the balance in our team,” said Leota.

Also named in the team is 2016 Pro Sport graduate Julius Togafau.

Auckland players in Samoa Under 20s
Benjamin Sau (Papatoetoe)
Lei Ioane (Marist)
Godinet Tinea (Waitemata)
Taniela Telea  (Marist)
Darren Kellet (Ponsonby)
Taina Fox-Matamua (Ponsonby)
Simon Peter Toleafoa (Marist)
Caleb Fa’alili (Papatoetoe)
Gafatasi Fuimaono (Waitakere City)
Leauma Uelese Leauma (Marist)

*quotes taken from Samoa Observer article, read full story here