The 2015 New Zealand Schools and Barbarians Schools squads have been named today, with 19 players in total hailing from the Hurricanes region.
The two sides will face one another in Palmerston North on Saturday before the New Zealand Schools side departs for a three-match international series in Australia.
The series, to be played at venues across Brisbane between Thursday September 24 - Friday October 2, will see New Zealand Schools play Samoa Schools, Australia Schools and Australia Schools Barbarians.
The 26-man New Zealand Schools squad sees a solid Wellington representation with both sides welcoming back players from the 2014 selection.
NEW ZEALAND SCHOOLS
Harrison Allan / St Andrew's College
Asafo Aumua / St Patrick's College - Silverstream
Joshua Buchan / Otago Boys' High School
Caleb Clarke / Mt Albert Grammar School
Wiseguy Faiane / Auckland Grammar School
Alex Fidow / Scots College
Losi Filipo / St Patrick's College - Silverstream
Tom Florence / New Plymouth Boys' High School
Liam Giltrap / Palmerston North Boys' High School
Kemara Hauiti-Parapara / Wellington College
Tim Hogan / Otago Boys' High School
Brodie McAlister / Shirley Boys' High School
Slade McDowall / Otago Boys' High School
Joshua McKay / Christchurch Boys' High School
Marino Mikaele-Tu'u / Hastings Boys' High School
Xavier Numia / St Patrick's College - Wellington
Dalton Papalii / St Kentigern College
Ben Power / Hutt International Boys' School
Sevuloni Reece / Hamilton Boys' High School
Samuel Slade / Mt Albert Grammar School
William Tucker / St Bede's College
Peter Umaga-Jensen / Scots College
Thomas Umaga-Jensen / Scots College
To'o Junior (TJ) Vaega / Kelston Boys' High School
Isaia Walker-Leawere / Gisborne Boys' High School
Takaji Young Yen / King's College
New Zealand Schools Coach Dave Hewett said he was pleased with the mix of experience and ability in the squad.
"This year the calibre of talent across the College XV programme was particularly high, with consistent performances throughout making for the final selection for the team pretty difficult - which is what you want.
"Having such versatility across positions, along with the experience of 2014 returning players Alex Fidow, Isaia Walker-Leawere, Marino Mikaele-Tu'u and Losi Filipo, means we have a really well-balanced side that should perform well throughout the series.
"These guys have played great rugby throughout the season with each and every one fully deserving of the black jersey. I'm looking forward to seeing them develop in the weeks and months ahead."
NZ BARBARIANS SCHOOLS
Sione Asi / Otago Boys' High School
Joshua Brown / St Patrick's College - Silverstream
Thomas Christie / Shirley Boys' High School
Ryan Coxon / St Peter's Collegiate
Tiaan Falcon / Lindisfarne College
Tim Farrell / Napier Boys' High School
Melino Fineanganofo / Auckland Grammar School
Brayden Iose / Palmerston North Boys' High School
James Little / Takapuna Grammar School
Isitolo Maka / Sacred Heart College
Ciarahn Matoe / King's College
Antonio Mikaele-Tu'u / Hastings Boys' High School
Ajay Mua / King's College
Jona Nareki / Feilding Agricultural High School
Raymond Nuu St Andrew's College
Stephen Perofeta / Wanganui Collegiate
Jacob Pierce / Rosmini College
Antonio Ripata / Auckland Grammar School
Ben Sau / De La Salle College
Thomas Stewart / Feilding Agricultural High School
Bailyn Sullivan / King's College
Samisoni Taukei'aho / St Paul's Collegiate
Flynn Thomas / Southland Boys' High School
Samuel Toa / Hamilton Boys' High School
Freedom Vaha'akolo / Auckland Grammar School
New Zealand Barbarians Coach Darren Larsen said the squad had all the attributes required to make them a competitive side this weekend - but also into the future.
"I'm really excited about the group of players we have selected as I think that combined, they make a squad with the right mix of x-factor and toughness.
"We have a good blend of the 'old' and 'new' with the return of 2014 players Antonio Ripata, Samisoni Taukei'aho and Sione Asi who understand the level of performance required and can share their knowledge with the others.
"We're looking forward to getting out there on Saturday and giving the New Zealand Schools some stiff competition.
"However, with six Year 12 players also in the group, we are equally as excited about what the future may hold for the side."
New Zealand Schools and New Zealand Barbarians Schools fixtures:
Date: Saturday 19 September Who: NZ Schools v NZ Barbarians Schools Venue: Palmerston North Boys' High School Time: 12.30pm
Date: Thursday 24 September Who: NZ Schools v Samoa SchoolsVenue: Sunnybank RFC, Brisbane Time: 1pm local; 3pm NZ
Date: Monday 28 September Who: NZ Schools v Australian Barbarians Schools Venue: St Joseph's College, Brisbane Time: 6pm local; 8pm NZ
Date: Friday 2 October Who: NZ Schools v Australia Schools Venue: Ballymore Stadium, Brisbane Time: 6pm local; 8pm NZ
