The Blues have named a promising U20s side set to take on the country’s best young stars at this season’s Super Rugby U20 tournament held in Taupō.

Players from across the Blues region of Northland, North Harbour and Auckland are represented in this year’s squad with a handful of the team having already experienced life at Blues HQ as part of the National Development Contract pool.

Blues U20 Head Coach Steven Bates said his side are excited about the prospect of heading to tournament.

“These boys have worked extremely hard in their evenings to train and prepare for this tournament and now they get the chance to showcase their skills against their peers from across the country – it doesn’t get much better than this!” Bates said.

Loose Forward Tristyn Cook has been named as Captain of the Blues U20 side with Bates identifying Cook’s no nonsense leadership style as a perfect fit for the group.

“Tristyn is a man of action, he digs in and works hard and expects others to do the same. The boys naturally gravitate to someone like him so he’s a good fit as Captain,” said Bates.

Super Rugby U20 sees the best young players in New Zealand compete against each other, providing a great development experience for players, team management and referees.

This is the third edition of the annual U20 tournament with the Blues, Chiefs, Hurricanes, Crusaders and Highlanders U20 squads representing their respective clubs.

They are joined at the tournament by both a Fijian Drua and Moana Pasifika side, as well as a New Zealand Barbarians U21 team. 

All matches will be live and exclusive on Sky.

Saturday 16th March 2024

U20 Blues v U20 Moana Pasifika kick off 1.05pm.

Blues U20 matches following Saturday’s match are determined by results.