The 26 man squad recently announced for the Junior World Championships in Argentina features current Air New Zealand Cup (now ITM cup) players, members of the 2008 U17 team and 5 IRANZ graduates. Manawatu Prop Willie Ioane is the only returning player from the winning 2009 IRB Junior World Championship Squad.
Congratulations to IRANZ graduates Liakimatagi Moli, Sean Polwart, Willie Ioane, Richard Haddon and Julian Savea who have been selected in the squad for the championships. NZ U20 coach Dave Rennie said he was pleased with the squad and looked forward to getting preparations underway for Argentina.
"We had two trial matches and the selection process has been very thorough. We are happy with the make up of the squad and looking forward to the challenges in Argentina" Rennie said.
New Zealand has won the last two IRB Junior World Championships in Wales and Japan respectively. The Junior World Championships replaced the previous IRB Under 19 and Under 21 World Championship tournaments.
We wish all the squad well in their endeavours to defend their title.