New Zealand Under 18 sevens teams named for Global Youth Sevens

The best emerging sevens talent from across the globe descends on Auckland next weekend for the Global Youth Sevens.

The New Zealand Under 18 boys and girls sevens teams have been selected following the culmination of regional and national age group sevens tournaments.

A proven pathway to the international stage, Justine McGregor and Joey Taumateine were members of their respective 2023 Under 18 squads  and both debuted for the Black Ferns Sevens and All Blacks Sevens at the Dubai Sevens  last weekend.

New Zealand Rugby Sevens Pathways Manager Dan Goodwin said the selection process has taken several months with selectors looking at athletes in school, club and provincial competitions.

“We are looking for young players who show the character and skills we value in the All Blacks Sevens and Black Ferns Sevens teams. The reality is some of these players could be on the world stage within the next 12 months, so it’s important they fit the profile of a top sevens athlete on and off the field.

“This group of players are a credit to themselves and their communities and have an amazing opportunity to showcase their talents next weekend.

“It’s also exciting to see former players within our management groups, not only giving back to the next generation, but taking those next steps in their own post- playing  careers,” said Goodwin. 

The Under 18 boys’ team are reigning Global Youth champions and have Wiremu Brailey returning from the 2023 side. It features three players from the Condors-winning Tauranga Boys’ College side, including the highly touted Charlie Sinton, who recently was named Māori Junior Sportsperson of the Year.

Tafai Ioasa returns as head coach and is joined this year by the recently-retired All Blacks Sevens legend Sam Dickson.

Arlia MacCarthy and Maia Davis will provide key leadership in their third year in the Under 18 girls team, while Louise Blyde, Danii Mafoe and Braxton Sorensen-McGee return for a second campaign.

Kristina Sue, former Black Fern and Black Ferns Sevens player, is again joined by Blair Baxter as the teams’ coaches.

Fans can watch both New Zealand teams on NZR+ with a Global Youths Sevens Pass which will give access to more than 140 matches live across the three days of competition. The Pass is $14.99 and is available in New Zealand and globally.

New Zealand U18 Girls    
Taufa Bason  (Feilding High School)
Louise Blyde (Sacred Heart New Plymouth)
Unuhia Crosby-Te Whare (Howick College)
Maia Davis (MANUKURA)
Libby Kearins-Te Whare (Hamilton Girls High School)
Mele Latu'ila (Wesley College)
Arlia MacCarthy (Mount Albert Grammar)
Danii Mafoe (Mount Albert Grammar)
Keira Russell (Hamilton Girls High School)
Braxton Sorensen-McGee (Auckland Girls Grammar)
Te Maia Sweetman (MANUKURA)
Asha Taumoepeau-Williams (Howick College)
Charlotte Va’afusuaga (St Hildas)

Coach: Kristina Sue
Assistant Coach: Blair Baxter
Manager: Ivana Samani

New Zealand U18 Boys    
Pyrenees Boyle Tiatia (University of Waikato)
Wiremu Brailey (Rotorua Boys’ High School)
Kele Lasaqa (Tauranga Boys' College)
David Lewai (University of Waikato)
Finn McLeod (Christchurch Boys’ High School)
Brayden Neilson (New Plymouth Boys' High School)
Rupeni Raviyawa (Feilding High School)
Reimana Saunderson-Rurawhe (Northcote RFC)
Charlie Sinton (Tauranga Boys' College)
Aidan Spratley (Tauranga Boys' College)
Bradley Tocker (Palmerston North Boys’ High School)
Jack Wiseman (New Plymouth Boys' High School)
Caleb Woodley (Grammar TEC)

Coach: Tafai Ioasa
Assistant Coach: Sam Dickson
Manager: Ben Hitchcock

Global Youth Sevens
13-15 December
Dilworth, Auckland