More than 50 of the Hurricanes region's most talented young rugby players have been named to attend the club's Under 17 Development Camp.
The 56 players named will gain an early insight into the world of professional rugby when they attend a one-day training camp at the Hurricanes Wellington training base on December 11.
As well as rugby skills, the squad will be provided with expert advice on nutrition, mental skills and physical training.
Convenor of selectors and Hurricanes talent ID and development coordinator Darren Larsen, said the camp was an opportunity for aspiring players to learn what it takes to turn their passion into a professional career.
"With professional rugby now a career choice for players once they leave school it is important that players and their parents develop a good understanding of what's involved in becoming a professional sportsperson."
Hurricanes high performance manager Chris Stirling said the club was well positioned to provide a series of stepping stones to professional rugby for players with potential.
"Some players from this group may be invited to join our apprentice scheme, which is a unique programme for school-age players to gain exposure to the Hurricanes working environment during the 2017 season."
The under-17 camp is part of the comprehensive programme for teenage rugby administered by the Hurricanes Youth Rugby Council on behalf of the region's eight provincial unions.
Hurricanes Youth Council chairman, Gordon Noble-Campbell said the club was a strong contributor to rugby at all levels throughout the region.
"This Camp is an important part of growing that link to create future success."
The following players have been selected for the Hurricanes Under-17 Development Camp:
East Coast: Chase Sheridan, Wheturangi Grant-Karaka, Carlos Paenga, Antonio Leawere.
Hawkes Bay: Liam Udy Johns, Nathan Giles, Damarus Hokianga, Patrick Teddy, Raniera Peterson, Sam Henderson, Tyrone Thompson, Josh Gimblett.
Horowhenua Kapiti: Vaughn McCardle, Tama Cook, Reece Wyatt.
Manawatu: James Stratton, Stewart Cruden, Tyler Laubscher, James Bolton, Josiah Mareku, Drew Wild, James Woodmass, Rawiri Chambers.
Poverty Bay: Tyrin Wyllie, Sione Ki-Nuia, Tee Paenga, Moses Christie, Billy Priestly.
Wairarapa Bush: Sam Smith, Jack Eschenbach, Harry Mckay, Cooper Jamieson, Isaac Bracewell.
Wanganui: Ben Kelt, Paiki Ponga, Hayden O'Leary.
Wellington: Moala Katoa, Luke Mannix, Ropati So'oalo, Stanley Paese, Taine Plumtree, Iona Apineru, Keelan Whitman, Josh Mallon , Harrison Boyle, Albert Polu, Malo Manuao, Jaylen Tuapola, Caleb Cavubati, Ish Perkins, Riley Forbes, Josh Southall, Shaquille Fiso, Kienan De Le Rambelje, Devon Oliver-Bell, Ben Cusin.