Rising Southland rugby star Jack Taylor has been named as part of the New Zealand U20 squad that will compete in the highly anticipated World Rugby U20 Championship in South Africa. The announcement was made by head coach Clark Laidlaw, who expressed his excitement about the talented group of players representing the nation.

"We're incredibly fortunate to have such a talented cohort of players to select from, all of which showcased their potential against the Junior Wallabies," said Coach Laidlaw. "We want to congratulate the players selected, in what will be a special day for them and their families who I'm sure will be proud of their achievements. It's great to have a talented young group heading off to the World Rugby U20 Championships in South Africa."

Jack Taylor, a native of Southland, has demonstrated exceptional skill and dedication throughout his rugby career. He was a member of the Highlanders High Performance Squad this year and represented the SBS Bank Southland Stags in 2022. Taylor is also set to return for the upcoming Bunnings NPC. His inclusion in the New Zealand U20 squad is a testament to his talent and hard work.

The New Zealand sides World Rugby U20 Championship will kick off with a match against Wales U20 on Monday, June 26, followed by a face-off against France U20 on Thursday, June 29, and a final pool game against Japan U20 on Thursday, July 6 before playoffs and the finals. 

New Zealand Under 20 squad:

Ajay Faleafaga (Otago)

Aki Tuivailala (Waikato)

Ben Ake (Auckland)

Bradley Crichton (Wellington)

Caleb Tangitau (Auckland)

Che Clark (Auckland)

Codemeru Vai (Bay of Plenty)

Cooper Flanders (Hawke’s Bay)

Gabe Robinson (Waikato)

Harry Godfrey (Hawke’s Bay)

Hunter Morrison (Hawke’s Bay)

Isaac Hutchinson (Canterbury)

Jack Taylor (Southland)

Jordi Viljoen (Manawatū)

Leo Gordon (Auckland)

Macca Springer (Tasman)

Malachi Wrampling-Alec (Waikato)

Malakai Hala (Manawatū)

Noah Hotham (Tasman) - Captain

Peter Lakai (Wellington) – Vice-captain

Raymond Tuputupu (Manawatū)

Riley Williams (Auckland)

Sam Hainsworth-Fa’aofo (Auckland)

Siale Lauaki (Wellington)

Taha Kemara (Waikato) – Vice-captain

Tahlor Cahill (Canterbury)

Tom Allen (Hawke’s Bay)

Vernon Bason (Manawatū)

Will Stodart (Otago)

Xavi Taele (Auckland)

Unavailable due to injury:Payton Spencer (Auckland), Fiti Sa (Taranaki), Maliu Niuafe (Auckland), Cody Nordstrom (Waikato), Toby Bell (Canterbury)

Article added: Tuesday 06 June 2023