51 of the region’s top high school rugby prospects have been named in the Junior Crusaders Squad.
The Junior Crusaders are selected from the wider Crusaders region – from Timaru to Tasman.
These players have been identified by selection team and will be given the opportunity to grow their game at an upcoming Junior Crusaders camp in October.
Guy Lemon, Head of Talent ID at Crusaders, explained the selection process, saying,
“There’s a group of spotters who go to First XV games each week and observe players. We convene regularly to talk about players, positions, and rankings and from there, we select a group of players for the squad.”
Selection criteria covers several bases, as Lemon explained,
“We look for a number of attributes depending on the position played. Often rugby talent is the first thing we notice, but we look for other qualities as well. Strong work ethic, leadership on the field - these are attributes we value."
Recent first team players who have benefitted from their time as Junior Crusaders include Zach Gallagher, Dom Gardiner, and Fletcher Newell, just to name a few.
Lemon and the Academy team are looking forward to working with these players as the season approaches,
“They’re good quality people and good quality players as well and we’re really excited to hopefully try develop their game.”
A full list of players can be found below.
Richie Tuipelehake Tupua'ilei - St Thomas of Canterbury
Suliasi Faiva - St Bede's College
Zach Parkin - Timaru Boys High School
Manumaua - Letiu - Christchurch Boys High School
Bryn - Graham - Shirley Boys High School
Lachlan - Harris-Tatana - St Thomas of Canterbury
Shaun Kempton - Selwyn Combined
Riley Brewis - Christchurch Boys High School
Sione Mafi - Nelson College
Iveni Nasio - Shirley Boys High School
Lehopoame Leota - Christ's College
Hennie Fa'avae - Nelson College
Jayden Sa - Christ's College
Finn McLeod - Christchurch Boys High School
Liam Jack - Christ's College
Norman Palu - St Thomas of Canterbury
Andre Sula - St Bede's College
Jackson Ross - Timaru Boys High School
Christian Ioane - St Bede's College
Max Ansell - Christchurch Boys High School
Cameron Blackwood - St Andrew's College
Jack Coulthard - St Thomas of Canterbury
George Gunn - St Bede's College
Cale Tairua - Timaru Boys High School
James Moore - Christchurch Boys High School
Matt Lowe - Nelson College
Tanner Stowers-Smith - St Bede's College
Harry Nossiter - Christchurch Boys High School
Tylah Blake - Nelson College
Ben O'Donovan - St Bede's College
Ned Milne - Timaru Boys High School
Ollie Burra - Christchurch Boys High School
Hugh Robinson - Malborough Boys College
Jordan Soli - Shirley Boys High School
Callum Summerfield - Christ's College
Oliver Lawry - St Thomas of Canterbury
Harrison Inch - Nelson College
Cam Rawlings - St Bede's College
Maretino Kaloudau - St Thomas of Canterbury
Nelesoni Malaulau - Nelson College
Kurtis MacDonald - Christchurch Boys High School
Jamayne Feast - St Bede's College
Timoci Sauira - Nelson College
Riley Lucas - St Bede's College
Tevita Faitotonu - St Thomas of Canterbury
Jack Busch-Ward - Christchurch Boys High School
Dakota Kakoi - Shirley Boys High School
Alizjah Campbell - Selwyn Combined
Cooper Roberts - Malborough Boys College
Thomas Ruwhiu - St Andrew's College
Luca Tracey - Christchurch Boys High School