TRU young guns selected for Southern States tournament

Tasmania’s most promising junior rugby players will head to Adelaide next week to compete in the Southern States tournament. See the young guns who have been selected.

Tasmanian under-18 boys representative Josiah Jeffrey at last year’s tournament.

Tassie’s most promising rugby talents are eyeing national glory at next week’s junior championships in Adelaide.

The Tasmanian Rugby Union (TRU) will field four sides (under-14 boys, under-16 girls, under-16 boys, under-18 boys) at the Southern States tournament with a selection of under-18 girls also named in Rugby Australia’s invitational squad.

After a strong start to the statewide junior competition, TRU competitions manager Nick Marshall is excited to see Tassie’s best youngsters don the green and gold.

“We’re really pleased with the start to our 2024 competition. It’s been a great lead-in to representative rugby,” Marshall said.

“Southern States will pit our juniors against the some of the best rugby players across the country. It’s going to be a tough task but we think they’re up for the challenge.”

Each Tasmanian side will tackle Victoria, South Australia and Northern Territory in a round-robin format before a final playoff fixture.

Meanwhile the girls named in Rugby Australia’s under 18 Barbarians side face a challenging two-day block with four games against hosts South Australia.

“It’s a great time for rugby at the moment with the Wallabies, Wallaroos and Olympic Sevens teams all in action,” Marshall said.

“We’re hoping a taste of representative rugby will inspire these young players to make their own memories in green and gold, whether that’s for Tassie or higher honours down the line.”

The Southern States tournament kicks off in Adelaide on Tuesday, July 9.

SELECTED TEAMS

Under-14 boys: James Edwards, Phoenix Nettlefold, Joey Cartridge, Harley Botha, Angus Cupit, Jack Turner, Josaiah Naufahu, Thomas Rolliston, Connor McLaren, Ryley Whitfield, Patryk Rybak, Adrian Claassen, Hamish Bewley, Noah Afeaki-Wardrop, Tyler Marshall and Jacob Hayes.

Under-16 boys: Thomas Savage, Nathaniel Henrys, Ross Downham, Zavier Thow, Tekye Williams, Shane Randall, Jordan Moyle, Rory Killian, Cooper Crowther, Connor Lucas, Oscar Davey, Henry Mann, Hamish McNeill, Grant Levitt, William Giddings, William Rodgers, Edward Toohey, Phoenix Simpson, Thomas Alomes, Frank Stary, Angus Turner.

Under-16 girls: Phobie Darburn, Stella Thompson, Charlotte Pointing, Emma Pritchard, Jorjamarree Mcilwrath, Alona Roberts, Lily Schelbach, Payton Leaman, Rhiannon Reardon, Isabella Leicester, Memphis Nettlefold, Tykarshia Moss, Ireland Palmer.

Under-18 boys: Aiden Flack, Andre Loubser, Juan Bautista Torres, Cameron Kirkby, Charlie Boman, Charlie Cosgrove, Phillip le Grange, Hamish Grant, Hamish Jones, Hamish Murray, Immanuel Summerfield, Jackson Hayes, Josiah Jeffrey, Kahu Wardrop, Kane Walsh, Lachlan Bennett, Lachlan Nield, Oliver Wilson, Seth Rodriguez, Shannon Townsend, Tomas Burt, William Brocklehurst, Zenon Latimer.

Under-18 girls: Mia Mason, Erika Ledster, Bernadette Nordstrom, Talia Smith, Lily Temple, Charlotte Alers, Emma Bray, Cello Taylor-Smith, Charlotte McNeil, Karryne Hurkmans.

Copy supplied by Lachlan Grey who works for Rugby Australia.