Pledger was yesterday named in the schools squad for a quadrangular tournament in Hamilton next week.
The all-action halfback or first five becomes a dual national representative following his appearance in a New Zealand age group team in touch.
Pledger was the only Otago player and one of just five South Islanders named in the squad.
There was, surprisingly, no room for any young man from the John McGlashan College First XV, which earned plenty of attention when it reached the national top four.
Three Johnnies players — midfielders Jack Timu (Ngati Tuwharetoa) and Josh Whaanga (Ngati Kahungunu ki Wairoa), and hooker Keegan Ferguson — were named in the New Zealand Maori under-18 squad.
They join Southland Boys’ High School loose forward Josh Evans (Ngati Awa) and Kaikorai prop Liam McIntosh (Ngai Tahu) in the Maori squad.
Highlanders talent identification manager Kane Jury coaches the New Zealand Schools team with the assistance of James Hantz (Auckland Grammar School) and Gus Leger (Sacred Heart College).
New Highlanders defence coach Dave Dillon leads the New Zealand Barbarians under-18 team, which has no players from the South.
The three New Zealand teams will be joined by Fiji Schools for the tournament at St Paul’s Collegiate starting on Tuesday.
