Philpott NZ under-20s coach

Hawke’s Bay coach Craig Philpott has been promoted to replace Scott Robertson at the helm of the New Zealand under-20s.

Philpott steps up from the assistant role, with Robertson taking over the Crusaders.

Taranaki’s Willie Rickards has been re-appointed and Philpott is joined by new assistant coach Cory Brown, who leads Otago.

Canterbury’s Dave Hewett has also been appointed scrum coach.

Philpott named a development squad of 49 players who will assemble in Palmerston North from December 1-7.

‘‘I’m excited about this coaching opportunity. Identifying and assisting in the development of the next crop of New Zealand rugby talent is extremely rewarding,’’ Philpott said. ‘‘Playing for New Zealand under-20 can be the launch pad to a professional rugby career, and this development camp is an integral component of the player development system in this country.

‘‘This programme is a great breeding ground for new talent to put their hand up for higher honours. Ten players from this year’s team have been selected for Super Rugby squads in 2017 and 23 of the players on the All Blacks northern tour have previously been part of the under-20 programme.

‘‘The message to the boys is clear: if you work hard and show determination you have a real chance of turning rugby into a profession.

The development camp introduces them to a high-performance environment and the higher level of expectation, fitness and discipline that goes along with that.

‘‘These players will need to work hard on their individual development plans over the summer if they want to stay in contention for the next two development camps and selection for the World Championship squad to go to Georgia in May and June.’’

NZ under-20 will hold further camps in March and April next year, before taking part in the Oceania Tournament on the Gold Coast in April and May.

A squad of 28 will be selected to go to the World Championship in Georgia from May 25 to June 18 next year. Harrison Allan, Will Tucker, Tom Christie, Braydon Ennor, Josh McKay, Will Jordan are chosen from Canterbury.