Faingaanuku set for national camp
Nelson College’s Leicester Faingaanuku is chasing another black jersey after being named in the New Zealand Schools rugby development camp.
The Nelson College first XV fullback and captain is the only Tasman player included among the 49 prospects who will attend the three-day camp in Palmerston North later this month to vie for places in the New Zealand Schools and New Zealand Barbarians Schools teams.
He’s been selected as a winger for the camp.
Last year Faingaanuku was originally selected in the New Zealand Barbarians Schools team but suddenly found himself on an even brighter stage following his injuryenforced elevation into the top New Zealand Schools side.
Faingaanuku’s talents have already been recognised this season after he was awarded the Phillip McDonald Memorial Medal as this year’s MVP for the UC Championship Crusaders region secondary schools competition.
Nelson College also successfully defended the Moascar Cup for the entire season and won this year’s Quadrangular Tournament title.
Fresh off victory at the National Top Four finals, Hastings Boys’ High School have nine players selected, and is one of 24 schools represented.
New Zealand Schools coach Jason Holland said he was ‘‘looking forward to what will be an exciting campaign’’.
‘‘The standard of schools’ rugby this season has been outstanding and we have strength and depth in most positions,’’ he said.
‘‘We have a wide representation of players from schools all over New Zealand. The two finalists from an excellent Top Four final in the weekend contribute 14 of the squad; with nine Hastings Boys’ players selected.
‘‘Both the New Zealand Schools and the Barbarians Schools teams will be looking to play an attacking style of rugby and we are confident this group has the skill sets to help us do this.’’
Players assemble for a threeday camp on Friday, September 22, with teams announced on the following Sunday in preparation for matches.
New Zealand Schools then head to Sydney to play Fiji Schools on September 28, Australia Schools Barbarians on October 2 and Australia Schools on October 7.
New Zealand Barbarians Schools will remain in Palmerston North and play Tonga Schools on September 28 and the New Zealand Maori under-18s on October 2.