Jordie Barrett named as New Zealand U20 vice-captain

The youngest Barrett, Jordie, headlines the New Zealand under-20s side for an Oceania tournament in Australia next month.

He is set to be the vice-captain of the New Zealand side, as Waikato's loose forward Luke Jacobson takes the captaincy. 

"This is a very experienced squad we are taking to the Oceania under 20s," coach Craig Philpott said.

"Thirteen players have been in the Under 20 environment before and nine played in last year's World Championship in Manchester. That previous experience of an international competition will come in valuable on the Gold Coast. "

Philpott said about 50 players had been to previous training camps, meaning tough decisions had to be made to limit the squad to just 30.

A further two players will be added prior to the tournament, with selectors hopeful that Blues first-five Stephen Perofeta will be recovered from injury in time to join the squad.

"We have selected Luke Jacobson as captain and Jordie Barrett as vice-captain.

"Luke is a leader who leads by his deeds. He is a very good player who will be on the field for most of the Tests and can play at either number eights or number six.

"He also brings experience from last year's World Championship campaign and has featured in the in Chiefs' programme this year including the Brisbane 10s where he had an excellent tournament."

New Zealand will play Fiji, Samoa and Australia on the Gold Coast from April 28 to May 6. The World Rugby Under 20 Championship is in Georgia in June.

New Zealand Under-20s: Harrison Allan, Asafo Aumua, Sam Caird, Adrian Choat, Tom Christie, Ryan Coxon, Tim Farrell, Alex Fidow, Luke Jacobson, Ezekiel Lindenmuth, Marino Mikaele-Tuu, Dalton Papalii, Jacob Pierce, John Sauni, Samuel Slade, Pouri Rakete-Stones, Isaia Walker-Leawere, Jordie Barrett, Caleb Clarke, Ereatara Enari, Braydon Ennor, Tima Faingaanuku, Tiaan Falcon, Will Jordan, Kemara Hauiti-Parapara, Orbyn Leger, Josh McKay, Jona Nareki, Carlos Price, Tamati Tua.