The Hurricanes are set to be well-represented in the 2025 National U18 Pathway Programme, with 20 players from the region selected in this year's New Zealand Schools, New Zealand Barbarian U18, and New Zealand Māori U18 squads.
Providing the most players to the programme out of the five Super Rugby clubs across New Zealand, the Hurricanes have contributed players from six schools and three clubs throughout Wellington, Manawatū, and Hawke's Bay across the three squads.
Seven players have been named in the New Zealand Schools squad, eight will represent the New Zealand Barbarian U18 side, and five will play for the New Zealand Māori U18 team.
Each of the title-winning schools from the three major regional competitions within the Hurricanes region have players selected in each of the three squads.
Four players from the Feilding High School side that finished second in New Zealand after earlier claiming the Central North Island and Hurricanes Top Four titles have been included across the New Zealand Schools and New Zealand Barbarian U18 squads.
A further four players from the Palmerston North Boys' High School team that won the school's first Super 8 title in 20 years are included across the three squads, and Wellington 1st XV Premiership winners St Patrick's College Silverstream have representation in the New Zealand Barbarian U18 team.
Hastings Boys' High School have also contributed significantly with four players across the three squads. Napier Pirates Rugby & Sports Club, meanwhile, has two players included in the programme, and Lindisfarne College, Marist St Pats RFC, Tawa College, and Aotea Sports Club have one player each.
15 of the Hurricanes region players named in the National U18 Pathway Programme attended the Hurricanes U18 Regional Development Camps in July.
Additionally, two players - Drew Berg-McLean and Jericho Wharehinga - were part of the Hurricanes U20 squad that played at this year's Super Rugby U20 tournament in March.
A member of this year's New Zealand Māori U18 team, Wharehinga also represented the side last year, alongside Isireli Qaranivalu, who has been named in this year's New Zealand Schools squad.
Joining Qaranivalu in the New Zealand Schools squad are Feilding High School pair Alani Fakava and Rupeni Raviyawa, both of whom were part of last year's New Zealand U18 Barbarian team.
All other players from the Hurricanes region named in each of the three squads have been included in their respective teams for the first time.
Hurricanes Recruitment and Development Manager, Darren Larsen, is proud of the Hurricanes' representation in the programme after serving as the Hurricanes convenor for selection of the three squads.
“We take immense pride in how many of our players have been selected for this year's National U18 Pathway Programme,” Larsen said.
"Having more players included in each of the three squads than any other Super Rugby club in the country is a reflection of the depth of talent within our region, the quality of our development programme, and adds to the strong performances of our schools this season.
“We look forward to watching our players represent their nation and their culture over the coming weeks.”
All 76 players named in National U18 Pathway Programme will assemble at St Paul's Collegiate School in Hamilton between 16-25 September, culminating in three matches, one involving a Chiefs selection.
Following the National U18 Pathway Programme, the New Zealand Schools team will play two matches against Australia U18 in Canberra.
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HURRICANES PLAYERS IN NATIONAL U18 PATHWAY PROGRAMME
New Zealand Schools
Alani Fakava (Feilding High School)
Isireli Qaranivalu (Hastings Boys' High School)
Jamie Viljoen (Palmerston North Boys' High School)
Nehemiah Su'a (Palmerston North Boys' High School)
Noah Rogers (Lindisfarne College)
Rupeni Raviyawa (Feilding High School)
Triumph Voice (Hastings Boys' High School)
New Zealand Barbarian U18
Alex Palazzo (Palmerston North Boys' High School)
Drew Berg-McLean (Napier Pirates Rugby & Sports Club)
Corban King (Mart St Pats RFC)
Elijah Solomona (St Patrick's Silversteam)
Hunter Kennedy (Palmerston North Boys' High School)
James Tuituba (Feilding High School)
Nehemiah Lauvao (Hastings Boys' High School)
Peni Havea (Feilding High School)
New Zealand Māori U18
Jericho Wharehinga (Napier Pirates Rugby & Sports Club - Ngāti Porou, Te Arawa)
Malachi Osman (Tawa College - Ngāti Porou, Ngā Rauru)
Raef Robinson (Hastings Boys' High School - Ngāti Kahungunu ki Heretaunga)
Richie Stephenson (Aotea Sports Club - Rangitāne, Te Aitanga-a-Hauiti)
Tylerjay Wallace (Palmerston North Boys' High School - Kāi Tahu/Ngāi Tahu)
FIXTURE SCHEDULE
U18 High Performance Camp
Saturday, 20 September: New Zealand Māori U18 v Chiefs Selection at 12pm
Saturday, 20 September: New Zealand Schools v New Zealand Barbarian U18 at 2pm
Thursday, 25 September: New Zealand Barbarian U18 v New Zealand Māori U18 at 12:30pm
New Zealand Schools v Australia U18
Saturday, 29 September: Australia U18 v New Zealand Schools at Viking Rugby Club, Canberra from 4:05pm NZT
Saturday, 4 October: Australia U18 v New Zealand Schools at Viking Rugby Club, Canberra from 4:05pm NZT
