Three players from Otago have been picked in a New Zealand under-20 squad.
The side which was announced yesterday was picked after the recent national under-20 tournament in Taupo which involved five sides from the Super Rugby franchises.
The Highlanders team won two out of three games at the tournament.
Picked in the national squad from Otago are halfback Nathan Hastie, flanker Sean Withy and lock Fabian Holland.
Hastie is the former head boy at King’s High School and has the ability to also play in the outside backs. He is a good runner and possesses a nice pass. He plays his club rugby for Harbour.
Withy had a great week in Taupo, picking up the player of the tournament award. A former Southland Boys’ High School pupil, he has already played for the Otago first-class side. He plays for the University club.
Holland is in his first year out of school, having attended Christchurch Boys’ High School. He is a latecomer to the game. He arrived from The Netherlands at the start of 2019 and was a rapid improver in the sport, making the NZ schools team last year.
Holland is playing for the Dunedin club this year.
Also included in the side is hooker George Bell, who attended John McGlashan College before moving to Canterbury last year. Anton Segner, from Tasman, who comes from Germany, is also included in the squad.
The squad will be coached by Tabai Matson, Cory Jane and Otago coach Tom Donnelly.
It is hoped games against an Australian team will be played later in the year.
