Auckland has three representatives in the National Maori Under 18 team to play the New Zealand School Barbarians and Tonga Under 18 later this month.

Te Ariki Te Puni (Auckland University RFC), Rob Rush (St Kentigerns College) and Terrell Peita (Mount Albert Grammar School) have all been selected as part of the side, which is looking to build on the progress of it’s inaugural year in 2016.

Te Puni was a member of the successful Auckland University Gallaher Shield and Auckland U19A sides in 2017. Rush proved to be a crucial part of the victorious St Kentigerns 1^st XV, as well as the Blues Under 18 team. Peita, like Rush, still has another year at secondary school and will be looking to continue his development in 2018 to become a key cog at both school and representative level.

Chair of New Zealand Rugby Māori Board Dr Farah Palmer today announced the team.

Dr Palmer said the national side was created to encourage talented young Māori to stay in rugby and provide them with development opportunities both on and off the field.

“The Under 18 Māori Team provides a genuine rugby pathway for rangatahi (youth) to step up from representing their regions to higher honours.

“What makes this team different is the connection of all players and coaches to ‘Te Ao Māori’ the Māori World. It’s the foundation for all our camps, with players and coaches learning waiata, haka and tikanga which enhance their wellbeing and achievements in rugby and life.”

Many of the players from the 2016 side have gone on to represent their respective unions at the recent Jock Hobbs National U19 tournament, as well as achieving selection for other national age grade sides and Super Rugby academies.

Full Squad - National Under 18 Māori team:

• Jacob Pepper-Edwards - Ashley RFC - Ngai Tahu
• Cameron Huata - Napier Boys' High School - Ngati Porou
• Te Ariki Te Puni - Auckland University RFC - Ngati Raukawa, Rangitane o Manawatu, Ngati Porou
• Billy Priestley - Gisborne Boys' High School - Ngati Porou, Te Aitanga a Hauiti
• Jonas Pomare - Hamilton Boys' High School - Nga Puhi
• Tanara Haenga - Wainuiomata College - Ngati Porou
• Robert Rush - St Kentigerns College - Ngapuhi, Ngati Kahu
• Josh Hill - Otago University RFC - Ngai Tahu
• Donovan Mataira - Hastings Boys' High School - Ngati Kahungungu
• Sam Smith - Wairarapa College - Ngati Raukawa
• Terrell Peita - Mount Albert Grammar - Te Rarawa Kaiwhare
• Tamarau McGahan - Rosmini College - Ngai Tuhoe, Ngati Raukawa
• Keelan Whitman - St Patrick's College Wellington - Te Arawa, Ngati Rangiwewehi
• Shamara Brooks - Hastings Boys' High School - Ngati Pamoana
• Stewart Cruden - Palmerston North Boys' High School - Ngati Kahungungu ki Wairarapa
• Tahu Kaa - Christchurch Boys' High School - Ngati Porou, Ngai Tahu
• James Simpson-Te Pairi - Kings' High School - Tuhoe
• Tobias Wickham-Manuel - Kia Toa RFC Manawatu - Ngati Porou, Ngati Tuwharetoa
• Coel Kerr - Paeroa College - Ngati Ranginui
• Nikau McGregor - Napier Boys' High School - Ngati Kahungungu ki Wairarapa
• John Cooper - Westlake Boys' High School - Ngapuhi, Ngati Kahungungu Ngati Tuwharetoa
• Jaylen Tuapola - Scots' College, Wellington - Ngati Tuwharetoa, Ngati Maniapoto
• Eru Tahuri - Ashburton Celtic RFC - Ngati Kahungungu, Ngai Tahu
• Austin Brown - Gisborne Boys' High School - Ngati Porou
• Ben Strowger-Turnock - Wellington College - Ngai Tahu

Management Team:

• Head Coach: Rua Wanoa, Ngati Porou
• Backs Coach: Kahu Carey, Rangitane, Ngati Apa ki te Ra To
• Forwards Coach: Anthony Rehutai, Ngati Porou
• Asst Backs Coach: Stacey Grant, Ngati Kahnungungu ki Wairarapa
• Asst Forwards Coach: Jeremy Wara, Tainui, Ngati Tipa, Ngati Tahinga
• Video Analyst: Tama Walker, Ngati Porou
• Trainer: Hoani Smith, Ngai Tahu, Kati Mamoe
• New Zealand Rugby Maori Liaison: Tiki Edwards, Te Arawa
• Cultural Advisor: Mihaere Emery, Ngati Awa, Tuhoe, Ngati Maniapoto, Ngati Koroki Kahukura, Ngati Raukawa
• Physiotherapist: Nishil Shah, Indian
• Manager: Mark Seymour, Ngati Hikairo
• Kaumatua: Mathew Kiore, Ngati Maniapoto, Tainui, Te Ati Awa

Schedule: 

Thursday, 28 September
Assemble in Levin

Monday 2 October - Rugby Institute in Palmerston North
National Under 18 Māori v New Zealand Schools Barbarians
Kick-off 2pm

Friday 6 October – Porirua Park
National Under 18 Māori v Tonga Schools
Kick-off 2pm