There is a strong Highlanders/Otago influence in the New Zealand under-19 squad to tour South Africa.
The squad, named yesterday, will be coached by former Highlanders assistant Mark Hammett.
It includes four Otago players, all of whom are also products of the Highlanders high performance programme.
A headline act is Green Island fullback Finn Hurley, one of the most exciting prospects to come out of the South since a willowy lad — coincidentally also a Green Island fullback — called Ben Smith.
Hurley has already had one big adventure this year with the New Zealand colts at the Pacific tournament in Australia, and this will be another chance to confirm his credentials.
The other Otago players to make the national squad are Dunedin first five Ajay Faleafaga, New Zealand Universities loose forward Will Stodart and former Otago Boys’ No 8 Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa.
A fifth Highlanders academy member named is Southland hooker Jack Taylor.
Highlanders talent development manager Kane Jury was delighted with the players’ selection.
“I guess in many ways selection for a national team is the reward for all the hard work that these players have put in — not just with their rugby training but also managing study and other commitments in a busy year for them,’’ Jury said.
"It’s an outstanding opportunity for these players to test themselves at another level, in one of the hardest places in the world to get a win. The tour will certainly develop them as young men."
The tour involves games against Western Province, Sharks and Leopards junior teams, and culminates in a clash with the Lions under-19s at the home of South African rugby, Ellis Park.
The 30-strong squad will assemble at Lincoln University on Sunday before heading to South Africa on Tuesday.
