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New Zealand Rugby unveils next generation with National U18 Pathways squads
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New Zealand Rugby have announced its 2026 under-18 pathways squads, which will take part in the organisation’s National U18 Pathways Programme in Hamilton between September 22 and October 5.
NZR have selected the top 78 under-18 players across three teams for three matchdays at St Paul’s Collegiate School.
The squads feature a total of 51 schools and clubs from around the country, and will be coached by several high-quality, experienced coaches.
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NZR National Pathways and U20 head coach Kane Jury said that this group is an exciting mix of players.
“Congratulations to the players selected across the three squads. With the introduction of our new talent identification scouting app and robust selection process, these were difficult squads to select,” Jury said in an NZR media release.
“It is evident of the high level of talent across the country and the quality of rugby we’ve seen both at school and club is a testament to the time, knowledge and energy of the people guiding them.
“Every player will have an opportunity to grow as a player and a person over the course of the programme and experience what it will take within a high-performance environment.
“Having three New Zealand squads broadens our base of talent and we saw players from all three of these squads last year progress to the New Zealand U20s and the Hilux NPC squads a year later.”
Otago Boys’ High School Rector and Principals’ Group spokesperson, Richard Hall, explained that the motivation to wear a black jersey is strong.
“For students across New Zealand, the goal of wearing a black jersey is a strong motivator. To see so many different schools represented from across the country will ensure that it remains a dream for those involved with schools’ rugby. For school leaders, the recognition of individual students and coaches in the squad is the result of a sum of parts and community contribution. Congratulations to all who have been selected.”
Nga Whatukura Maori Head Coach Kahu Carey, an independent coaching contractor, explained that this tournament will open pathways for players to reach their full potential.
“We’re proud to continue the E tu Toa kaupapa and represent whanau, iwi and hapu against international opposition in a national Maori jersey. Opening the pathway for these players to go further, whilst playing under a Maori kaupapa, is something we’re all extremely excited about.”
Craig Carter, the New Zealand Barbarians Club Captain, said the partnership will continue to help players grow.
“As New Zealand Barbarians, we are very pleased that the future stars of New Zealand rugby will be wearing our proud red jersey that has been around for over 90 years. This continues our long-standing focus of growing the game at all levels of rugby across the motu and partnering with our good friends at NZ Rugby. We wish all three teams the best for the tournament.”
The three New Zealand squads selected for the 2026 National U18 Pathway Programme are:
New Zealand Schools squad; Name, School
Carlos Nordstrom, Hamilton Boys’ High School
Carter Pirie, Napier Boys’ High School
Cruz Kea Cameron, Saint Kentigern College
Donncha McNamara-Taele, St Patrick’s College, Wellington
Finn Hurley, Southland Boys’ High School
Fletcher Cooper, St Patrick’s College Silverstream
Jack Brock, Southland Boys’ High School
Jay-Morris Rawiri, St John’s College, Hamilton
Julius Toimata, Wellington College
Kelekolio Makasini, Otago Boys’ High School
Kobe Narruhn, Mount Albert Grammar School
Laifone Kamoto, Wellington College
Lennox Kopelani, St Andrew’s College
Liam Newfield, Christchurch Boys’ High School
Lucas Goodman, Feilding High School
Luchian Opperman, Rosmini College
Matthew Fleming, Westlake Boys’ High School
Max Hammond, Gisborne Boys’ High School
Nico Stanley, Auckland Grammar School
Nikora Mata’afa, St Thomas of Canterbury College
Sione Kaufononga, Hastings Boys’ High School
Solomone Halaufia, Hastings Boys’ High School
Te Ariki Rogers, Rotorua Boys’ High School
Tevita Fakava, Feilding High School
Will Lovatt, Napier Boys’ High School
Zy Woodham, Timaru Boys’ High School
Coaching team
- Head Coach: Kane Jury, New Zealand Rugby National Pathways Head Coach
- Assistant Coach: Scott Manson, Otago Boys’ High School
- Assistant Coach: Tui Raeli, Marlborough Boys’ College
New Zealand Barbarian Under 18; Name, School
Alapati Soagia, Hautapu Sports Club
Axel Daken, Petone Rugby Football Club
Caleb Collins-Polata, St Andrew’s College, Christchurch
Chanel Filiva’a, Clifton Rugby Football Club
Deon Fifita, Hamilton Boys’ High School
Eric Miller, Palmerston North Boys’ High School
Harry Baddington, Wellington College
Jett Timbrell, St Andrew’s College Christchurch
Josh Shore, Lincoln University Rugby Football Club
Junior Slade, Pakuranga United Rugby Club
Kane Shedlock, Brisbane Boys College
Kitiona Talaepa, Petone Rugby Football Club
Luke Goodman, Hautapu Sports Club
Matt Harris, College Rifles Rugby Football Club
Max Talbot, Kelston Boys’ High School
Niko Boylan, Southern Rugby Football Club
Noah Rogers, University of Waikato Rugby Club
Oliver Groenewald, Sacred Heart College, Auckland
Poliko Javaan Faalialia, Southland Boys’ High School
Reuben McIntyre, Stoke Rugby Football Club
Santino Naufahu, Grammar Tech Rugby Club
Sean Burgess, Hautapu Sports Club
Solomone Tuitupou, Takapuna Rugby Football Club
Toni Tuuhoko Pole, Saint Kentigern College
Triumph Voice, Hastings Rugby & Sports Club
Viliami Rongokea Tupou, Kia Toa Rugby Football Club
Not considered due to NPC commitment: Will Davis-Lenz (Petone Football Club)
Not considered due to injury: Tom Hazeldine (Lincoln University RFC) and Brock Reid (Kaikorai RFC)
Coaching team
- Head Coach: Greg Feek, Blues
- Assistant Coach: Tasesa Lavea, Saint Kentigern College
- Assistant Coach: Matt Howling, Kelston Boys’ High School
New Zealand Maori Under 18 Nga Whatukura; Name, School, Iwi
Amjayden Mauga, Dilworth College, Ngapuhi; Waikato
Campbell Bibbie, Rangitoto College, Ngati Hine (Te Tai Tokerau)
Carlo Isaac, Havelock North Rugby Football Club, Ngati Kahungunu ki Wairarapa
Casey Wright, Whangarei Boys’ High School, Ngapuhi
Cruz Marra, St Peter’s School Cambridge, Tuhoe
Elijah (Eli) Wharepouri, Rosmini College, Te Atiawa (Taranaki); Taranaki
Elliot Wilson, Southland Boys’ High School, Ngati Ruanui
Enzo Kyle, Christchurch Boys’ High School, Ngati Kahungunu ki Heretaunga
Ethan McSkimming, Otago Boys’ High School, Ngai Tahu/Kai Tahu
Frano Chaplin, Christchurch Boys’ High School, Ngati Tama (Taranaki)
George Hemopo, Kelston Boys’ High School, Ngati Kahungunu ki Heretaunga
Isaiah Edwards, Hamilton Boys’ High School, Whakatohea
Jackson Hill-Brown, St Paul’s Collegiate School, Waikato; Ngati Tiipa
Keanu Simpson, Sacred Heart College, Auckland, Ngati Rangitihi
Kingston Ngata, Feilding High School, Te Ati Haunui-a-Paparangi
Lafa Tofiga, King’s High School, Ngati Maniapoto
Malachi Emmett, Mount Maunganui Rugby Club, Ngapuhi
Mason Barry, Rotorua Boys’ High School, Ngati Maniapoto; Whakatohea
Paice Mitchell-Hopa, Palmerston North Boys’ High School, Ngati Tuwharetoa (ki Taupo); Waikato
Paihia Kaho, Nelson College, Ngati Porou
Ryder Thompson, St Patrick’s College Silverstream, Ngati Porou; Rangitane (Te Matau-a-Maui/Hawke’s Bay/Wairarapa); Tainui Awhiro; Ngati Kahungunu ki Wairarapa
Sol Anderson, Auckland Grammar School, Ngati Wai
Synton Bowden, Hamilton Old Boys, Ngati Maniapoto
Taowaru Waititi, Rotorua Boys’ High School, Te Whanau-a-Apanui; Ngati Porou
Tommy McQuoid, Tauranga Boys’ College, Ngapuhi
Tyson Forbes, Wesley College, Ngati Awa
Coaching team
- Head Coach: Kahu Carey; Rangitane o Wairau, Ngati Apa ki te Ra To
- Assistant Coach: Ryan Griffiths; Ngai Tahu/Kai Tahu
- Assistant Coach: Brendan Nolan; Ngai Tahu/ Kai Tahu, Te Atiawa o Te Waka-a-Maui
The U18 High Performance Camp 2026 match schedule is:
Game Day 1: 26 September:
- NZ Schools v Waikato Under 19, kick-off 3.30pm
- NZ Barbarians U18 v Tonga U18, kick-off 2.00pm
- NZ Maori U18 v Samoa U18, kick-off 12.30pm
- Australia U18 v Australia Schools (to be played in Australia)
Game Day 2: 30 September
- NZ Schools v Australia Schools, kick-off 3.30pm
- NZ Barbarians U18 v Australia U18, kick-off 2.00pm
- NZ Maori v Waikato Under 19, kick-off 12.30pm
- Tonga U18 v Samoa U18, kick-off 11.00am
Game Day 3: 4 October
- NZ Schools v Australia U18, kick-off 3.30pm
- NZ Barbarians U18 v Samoa, kick-off U18 2.00pm
- NZ Maori v Australia Schools, kick-off 12.30pm
- Tonga U18 v Taranaki Under 18, kick-off 11.00am
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