Three Manawatū players have been named in the New Zealand squad for Under 20 Rugby Championship, with another selected as a non-travelling reserve.

Brothers Vernon Bason and Mosese Bason, and outside back Sam Coles were selected for the New Zealand Under 20 squad. Logan Wallace is one of five non-travelling reserves.

The squad was selected following a comprehensive player identification process across last month’s Super Rugby U20 tournament in Taupō, and training camps held late last year.

This is Vernon Bason’s second straight year in the New Zealand Under 20s. The College Old Boys hooker captained the Hurricanes team at the Super Rugby U20 tournament. As a National Development contracted player, he trained with the Hurricanes senior team in the preseason. He is just one of three players in the New Zealand squad with NPC experience, having made his Turbos debut last year.  

Number 8 Mosese Bason makes the side following his MVP-winning performance in Super Rugby U20. The College Old Boys number 8 is no stranger to international age-grade rugby, having played for New Zealand Schools in 2023.

Sam Coles cracks the squad after two seasons in the Hurricanes Under 20s. He was a standout for Varsity in the Manawatū club rugby competition in 2023 and was part of a New Zealand Sevens development squad earlier this year.

Logan Wallace was unavailable for Super Rugby U20 due to injury. As a National Development contracted player and 2023 New Zealand Schools representative, the Old Boys-Marist prop has been on selectors' radars.  

All four of the players are members of the Manawatū Rugby Academy.

Manawatū Rugby Academy Manager Lifeimi Mafi says he is incredibly proud to see a good Manawatū contingent in the national squad.

“This is a testament to the hard work these players have put in not just this year and during Super Rugby U20, but the past few years. Congratulations to Vernon, Mosese, Sam, and Logan. I know they will do Manawatū Rugby proud.”

The final squad of 30 for the U20 World Rugby Championship in South Africa will be announced following the Rugby Championship Under 20 tournament. 

You can see the full squad here.

The Rugby Championship Under 20 Schedule:

New Zealand v South Africa, Thursday 2 May, 5.00pm (AUT), Sunshine Coast Stadium, Australia

New Zealand v Argentina, Tuesday 7 May, 5.00pm (AUT), Sunshine Coast, Australia

New Zealand v Australia, Sunday 12 May, 3.30pm (AUT), Sunshine Coast, Australia

All games will be broadcast live on Sky Sport.

Article added: Wednesday 10 April 2024