NORTH HARBOUR AND Auckland Blues out-half Bryn Gatland, the 21-year-old son of Lions coach Warren, has been named in the New Zealand Provincial Barbarians squad.

The core group of 19 named overnight are made up of representatives from 15 regions including all teams who played in the Mitre 10 Cup this season. Their clash with the Lions will kick off the tour in Whangarei on 3 June.

“It was important to us in selecting this team that it was truly representative of New Zealand,” says Clayton McMillan, coach of the representative side for the tour opener and Bay of Plenty.

“It wasn’t an easy task, the amount of talent considered is testament to how strong New Zealand rugby is now. We believe we have found a mix of upcoming players and hardened provincial stalwarts to make an exciting team.

Gatland junior in action against Otago. Photosport / Joe Allison/INPHO Photosport / Joe Allison/INPHO / Joe Allison/INPHO

“We have picked the base of a team that is capable of playing an entertaining brand of rugby which fits with the BaaBaas tradition of innovation and flair and playing with pure guts and heart.”

New Zealand Provincial Barbarians core squad

Forwards:

Aiden Ross (Bay of Plenty)
Tolu Fahamokioa (Wellington)
Sam Anderson-Heather (Otago)
Epalahame Faiva (Waikato)
Marcel Renata (Auckland)
Quinten Strange (Tasman)
Joshua Goodhue (Northland)
Heiden Bedwell-Curtis (Manawatu)
Mitchell Brown (Taranaki)
Matthew Matich (Northland)
Peter Rowe (Wanganui)

Backs:

Jonathan Taumateine (Counties Manukau)
Jack Stratton (Canterbury)
Bryn Gatland (North Harbour)
Jonathan Fa’auli (Taranaki)
Jonah Lowe (Hawke’s Bay)
Sevuloni Reece (Waikato)
Luteru Laulala (Counties Manukau)
Junior Ngaluafe (Southland)

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