More than 70 young players have been named in the Auckland Under 19 wider training squads in preparation for the 2017 Jock Hobbs Memorial tournament.

Auckland will again have two teams, Under 19 and Under 19 Development, playing at the Taupo-based tournament which kicks off on September 9.

Players from 13 Auckland clubs are represented, coming from premier and Under 20 grades.

Auckland Rugby High Performance Manager Ben Meyer said it is an exciting time for these players.

“It’s been really pleasing to see so many players from our school programme progress into club rugby and work hard.

“I know the coaches are looking forward to working with both squads, this campaign is a big stepping stone for these players,” said Meyer.

“We are excited about what this group of hard working players can achieve.”

Under 19 wider training squad:
A J Lam (Grammar TEC), Aleks Dabek (Ponsonby), Anzelo Tuitavuki (Waitemata), Ben Sa'u (Papatoetoe), Caleb Clarke (Suburbs), Caleb Fa'alili (Papatoetoe), Cameron Suafoa (College Rifles), Fe'au Teutau (Grammar TEC), Gabe Tekani (Marist), Godinet Tinei (Waitemata), Harry Plummer (Grammar TEC), Hoskins Sotutu (Marist), John Akau'ola-Laula (Pakuranga), Leka Tu'ungafasi (Suburbs), Matangireia Yates-Francis (Ponsonby), Matt Storm (Grammar TEC), Michael Palmer (Suburbs), Nukusii Pauta (Papatoetoe), Obey Samate (Pakuranga), Paula Maama (Pakuranga), Penisoni Fineanganofo (Papatoetoe), Richmond Patea-Seve (Pakuranga), Rilloy Suesue (Ponsonby), Rob Cobb (Ponsonby), Roni Wright (Marist), Sam Toloke (Pakuranga), Santana Marshall-Baker (Ponsonby), Sebastian Visinia (Suburbs), Siave Togoiu (Marist), Tanielu Tele'a (Marist), Taufa (Sione) Havili (College Rifles), Te Ariki Te Puni (University), Waimana Reidinger-Kapa (Ponsonby), Wiseguy Faiane (Pakuranga)

Under 19 Development wider training squad:
Aisea Faienganuku (Papatoetoe), Alex Tavita (Waitakere City), Andy Williams (East Tamaki), Brent Tongotea (East Tamaki), Bryan Mulitalo (Marist), Chris Falefatu (Ponsonby), Darius Mauga (College Rifles), Dorien Viliamu (Waitakere City), Edward Tone (East Tamaki), Finn Perkinson (College Rifles), Fuaiva Takitaki (Papatoetoe), Gabriel Tuala (Waitemata), Hugo Rafael (Eden), Jackson Clarke (Ponsonby), Jacob Foster Hall (Ponsonby), Jason Mee (College Rifles), Jessie Brown (Otahuhu), John Fafita (Papatoetoe), John Phillip Ngatoko (Papatoetoe), Joe Cooke (College Rifles), Joseph (Sifa) Tangulu (College Rifles), Joseph Fahiua (Waitemata), Latu Ngauamo (Ponsonby), Liam Baker-Smith (College Rifles), Mathew Sowter (Suburbs), Matt Olo Whaanga (University), McCarthy Cocker-Filikitonga (Ponsonby), Nick Laufoli (University), Nofo Amituanai (East Tamaki), Owen Hundt (Ponsonby), Patrick Laumilu (Pakuranga), Patrick Syme (College Rifles), Sean Cassidy (College Rifles), Sefo Masoe (Marist), Siaosi Alatini (Papatoetoe), Sila Ulugia (East Tamaki), Simon-Peter Toleafoa (Marist), Sione Fakapalea (Ponsonby), Sione Pulu (Otahuhu), Solomone (Pohiva) Fonua (University), Spencer Fruean (Papatoetoe), Suliasi Mafileo (East Tamaki), Tiaan Brownless (Pakuranga), Zac Martin (Grammar TEC)

Squads will train separately at the following locations:
Under 19 Team – Nixon Park (Kingsland) Wednesdays 6:30pm start
Under 19 Development Team – Grammar TEC (Orakei Domain) Wednesdays 6:30pm start.

(The U19 Development Team WTG will continue to grow and decrease over the coming weeks based on Club Rugby form).

Both teams will each select 25 players to compete at the Nationals and they will finalise their teams towards the end of the club rugby season.

Key Contacts for Players
U19 Team – Grant Wilson 021 435 376
U19 Development Team – Joe Snee 021 891 684