News

A number of local players with ties to Counties Manukau Rugby have been named to New Zealand U18 squads.

Lenz Morunga-Itunu, Joey Taumateine and Shaun McNaughton have all been selected in the New Zealand Barbarian U18 side.

Lock/loose forward Morunga-Itunu attended Manurewa High School and is part of the Counties Manukau Rugby Academy. His selection reflects the hard work he has put in as well as identifying a pathway into the Under 18 Team via Club Rugby.

Taumateine, a number eight from Wesley College, caps off a successful year on the back of creditable performances by his school, where he has been one of a number of stand-out performers.

McNaughton is a former Pukekohe High School student but is living in the Hawke’s Bay and playing for Hastings Boys High now.

The number eight makes it three players in the squad with ties to Counties Manukau.

Former Wesley College student Curtis Hana (now at Hamilton Boys High) has been selected as an outside back in the New Zealand Maori U18s while prop Tonga Helu (Sacred Heart) is picked in the NZ Schools U18 side.

All three sides assemble on Tuesday 19 September with games taking place on Saturday 23 September and Thursday 28 September.