Thirteen young men from the Hurricanes region have been selected to attend the first New Zealand U20 development camp as coaches work to identify and develop players who will defend their World Rugby Under 20 Championship title in England next year.

The group will be in camp from 27 November to 2 December, with further camps planned in March and April.

Hurricanes region players selected to attend the development camp in Palmerston North later this month are;

Forwards

Mason Kean (Hawke's Bay), Joe Apikotoa (Wellington), Max Fryatt (Hawke's Bay), Asafo Aumua (Wellington), Anthony Pettett (Wellington), Isaia Walker-Leawere (Poverty Bay), Lui Okeamoa-Luamanu (Wellington), Marino Mikaele Tu'u (Hawke's Bay).

Backs

Lester Maulolo (Wellington), Malo Tuitama (Wellington), Pepe Patafilo (Wellington), Jonah Lowe (Hawke's Bay), Mason Emerson (Hawke's Bay).

Head Coach Scott Robertson said he was excited and looking forward to the first major camp for the Under 20 hopefuls.

"It's always fantastic to see new bunch of guys come through, and it's always great to see who's willing to work hard and take this incredible opportunity.

"These boys will know they have a very real chance of turning rugby into a profession for themselves if they have the determination and willpower to keep working hard for it.

"One of the things I love about this team, is how much talent gets unearthed - the fact that 15 of this year's championship team have been named in Super Rugby squads or wider training groups, demonstrates the level of talent New Zealand keeps producing.

"This month's camp will be about giving the boys a taste of this unique national team environment, we'll lay out our expectations, and we'll have a good look what sort of nick they are in.

Robertson will have two new assistant coaches with him for the 2016 campaign. Taranaki's Willie Rickards has been appointed as an assistant alongside Hawke's Bay's Craig Philpott

Not considered due to Investec Super Rugby commitments were:
Leni Apisai, Wellington
Hugh Renton, Hawke's Bay
Sam Nock, Northland
Sio Tomkinson, Otago
Jordan Trainor, Waikato
Shaun Stevenson, Waikato

Players not considered due to injury were:
Brendan Bond, North Harbour
Hayden Spencer, Waikato
Ere Enari, Canterbury
TJ Va'a, Wellington
Harrison Levien, Waikato

Unavailable due to school exams were:
Alex Fidow, Wellington
Thomas Umaga Jensen, Wellington
Peter Umaga Jensen, Wellington