BLUES U20s SQUAD FOR 2025

Eight players return to add depth to exciting Blues U20 squad

There are eight returning players included in the 27-strong squad to represent the Blues at the Super Rugby Under-20 Tournament in Taupo next week.

Players from all three regions of the Blues – Auckland, North Harbour and Northland – are included in the squad for the tournament comprising the five New Zealand Super clubs along with Fijian Drua, Moana Pasifika and a New Zealand Barbarians U21 team.

Blues Head of Performance Development, Alex O’Dowd said they are pleased with the spread of talent throughout the Blues region.

“The players have all come through the under-19 regional system with a good spread throughout the Blues Development region which is very pleasing,” said O’Dowd.

“We have a core of returning players who will provide the leadership while we have some exciting talent who will prosper from this experience.”

Missing from the squad is exciting Auckland back Xavier Tito-Harris, who has been trialling with the New Zealand Sevens squad in Mount Maunganui, but is injured.

There are four of last year’s team returning in the pack comprising Auckland players Sika Pole, fellow prop Robson Faleafa, lock Junior Ahokovi and No 8 Randal Baker.

There is a good mix of experience returning in the backs with halfback Luke Aiken and first five Rico Simpson, both Auckland, and North Harbour midfielder Reimana Rurawhe-Saunderson.

On the outsides, back from last year, is Northland’s Nathan Salmon while there is considerable interest in outstanding winger JD Van der Westhuizen from North Harbour.

The third edition of the tournament will be staged from March 19-25 at Owen Delany Park in Taupō, with all matches broadcast live on Sky.

The Blues U20 team is:

Forwards: Sika Pole (Auckland), Richard Faleono (North Harbour), Robson Faleafa (Auckland), Riley Tofilau (North Harbour), Charlie Wallis (Auckland), Lotu Finau (Auckland), Xavier Leota (Auckland), Junior Ahokovi (Auckland), Tevita Tatafu (Auckland), Darcy Holwell (Northland), Randal Baker (Auckland), Sam Tuitupou (North Harbour), Aio Keith (Auckland), Caleb Woodley (Auckland), Liam Sturm (North Harbour), Jarell Luafalealo (North Harbour), Luke Aiken (Auckland), Joel Russell (Auckland), Rico Simpson (Auckland), Blake Lidgard (North Harbour), Jarel Tuaimalo-Vaega (Auckland), Reimana Rurawhe-Saunderson (North Harbour), Nathan Salmon (Northland), Harlym Saunoa (Auckland), Jayden Griffen-Salt (North Harbour), JD Van der Westhuizen (North Harbour), Cohen Norrie (Auckland).

Unavailable because of injury: Xavier Tito-Harris (Auckland).

Coaches: Ben Afeaki (head coach), Jeff Ierome, Matt Howling, Ian Robinson.