SIX BLUES NAMED IN NZ U20 SQUAD

Six players from the Blues region have been selected in the New Zealand Under 20 squad for the 2026 World Rugby Junior Championship in Georgia.

Xavier Leota, Jake Hutchings, Caleb Woodley, Boston Krone, Cohen Norrie and Siale Pahulu have all been included in the 30-player squad.

New Zealand Under 20 Head coach Kane Jury said it had been a difficult squad to select due to how many players had impressed the coaches since a wider group was identified in November last year.

“That’s a real testament to the focus the players have had with their development plans and the work they’ve done on and off the field. There has been genuine competition for places and a number of players have forced their way into the squad through club rugby.”

The Blues’ presence extends beyond the travelling squad, with five additional players named as non-travelling reserves - Charlie Wallis, Luka Makata, Logan Platt, Angus Revell and JD Van der Westhuizen will remain on standby for the tournament.

The New Zealand Under 20 squad assembles in Auckland on June 14 before departing for Georgia, where they will face Japan, Scotland and Italy in pool play.

New Zealand U20s
Blues region players selected

Jake Hutchings (Loose Forward)
Boston Krone (Halfback)
Xavier Leota (Hooker)
Cohen Norrie (First Five-Eighth)
Siale Pahulu (Midfielder)
Caleb Woodley (Loose Forward)

Non-Travelling Reserves

Luka Makata
Logan Platt
Angus Revell
Charlie Wallis
JD Van der Westhuizen

New Zealand U20 Pool Matches

27 June: New Zealand v Japan
3 July: New Zealand v Scotland
7 July: New Zealand v Italy

All matches will be broadcast live on Sky Sport.