Springbok's son selected for All Blacks U19 squad
SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: New Zealand Under-19 head coach Mark Hammett has selected his squad to embark on a tour to South Africa later this month.
A total of 30 players will travel to South Africa, to play four challenging fixtures against age group representative teams from the Stormers, Sharks, Lions and Leopards.
Jordi Viljoen, son of former Springbok scrumhalf, Roelof “Joggie” Viljoen, has been included in the squad.
The young scrumhalf Viljoen featured in the New Zealand School side last year.
New Zealand Rugby’s (NZR) High-Performance Player Development Manager Matt Sexton said the tour will be a great opportunity for the growth and development of the Under 19 age group.
“Over the past two years, Covid-19 has impacted the opportunities available for this cohort," Sexton said.
"To have the tour come together is fantastic.
"We believe, exposing this group to quality South African age group sides who will play a different style of game provides a unique development opportunity for this next generation of players. This experience, alongside international travel and quality coaching, will also accelerate these players preparation for the proposed Under 20 Rugby World Cup in July next year.
“It was a difficult task selecting just 30 players for this group, we are fortunate to be able to select from a talented cohort of players. We are excited to see what Mark and his management group will achieve with this group of individuals while in South Africa,” finished Sexton.
Schedule:
New Zealand v Stormers - Monday, September 19, TBC, Stellenbosch
New Zealand v Sharks - Saturday, September 24, Kings Park, Durban
New Zealand v Leopards - Thursday, September 29, TBC, Potchefstroom
New Zealand v Lions - Tuesday, October 4, Ellis Park, Johannesburg
New Zealand Under-19: Ajay Faleafaga, Ale Aho, Andrew Smith, Bradley Crichton, Byron Smith, Cody Nordstrom, Cooper Flanders, Dylan Irvine, Epeli Waqaicece, Essendon Tuitupou, Finn Hurley, Gabe Robinson, Hunter Morrison, Isaac Hutchinson, Jack Taylor, Jordi Viljoen, Keran van Staden, Leo Gordon, Mefi Poseti Tupou, Nic Shearer, Riley Williams, Rory Woods, Sam Hainsworth-Fa’aofo, Semisi Tupou Ta'eiloa, Siale Lauaki, Tahlor Cahill, Taine Kolose, Toby Taylor, Torian Barnes, Will Stodart