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| New Zealand Under 20 | |
|---|---|
| Name | New Zealand Under 20 |
| Union | New Zealand Rugby |
| Nickname | Baby Blacks |
| Founded | 2008 |
| Coach | (see Coaching and Support Staff) |
| Captain | (see Team and Selection) |
| World cup apps | 12 |
| World cup first | 2008 |
| World cup best | Winners (2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2015, 2017) |
New Zealand Under 20
The New Zealand Under 20 side is the national age‑grade rugby union team that represents New Zealand in international under‑20 competitions. The team operates under New Zealand Rugby and has been a dominant presence in the World Rugby Under 20 Championship since its formation, producing numerous players who progressed to All Blacks, Super Rugby franchises, and professional clubs worldwide. The programme interfaces with provincial unions such as Auckland Rugby Union, Canterbury Rugby Football Union, and Waikato Rugby Union to identify and develop talent.
The Under 20 structure replaced the former New Zealand national under-19 rugby union team and New Zealand national under-21 rugby union team following World Rugby's consolidation of age‑grade tournaments into the IRB Junior World Championship in 2008. Early successes in 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011 established a legacy comparable to historical New Zealand sides like the All Blacks, reflecting pathways used by clubs such as Auckland Blues and Canterbury Crusaders. The programme's triumphs in 2015 and 2017 paralleled global performances at tournaments hosted in nations including Italy, England, France, and Argentina.
Selection is managed by New Zealand Rugby selectors in collaboration with provincial coaches from unions such as Counties Manukau Rugby Union, Bay of Plenty Rugby Union, and Taranaki Rugby Football Union. Players are scouted from school competitions like the National Provincial Championship, the Bunnings NPC, and college fixtures such as the First XV tournaments producing alumni from Christchurch Boys' High School, Hamilton Boys' High School, and St. Kentigern College. Aspirants often appear in development camps alongside representatives from franchises like Auckland Blues, Wellington Lions, and Otago Rugby Football Union before final squad announcements for the World Rugby Under 20 Championship.
The team's record in the World Rugby Under 20 Championship includes multiple titles and podium finishes, matching performances by rivals such as England national under-20 rugby union team, France national under-20 rugby union team, and South Africa national under-20 rugby union team. They have competed against other age‑grade sides including Australia national under-20 rugby union team, Ireland national under-20 rugby union team, and Fiji national under-20 rugby union team in group and knockout stages hosted at venues in Wellington, Eden Park, and international stadia like Twickenham and Stade de France during various editions.
Coaching appointments have included former provincial and international figures associated with organisations such as Auckland Blues, Canterbury Crusaders, Manawatu Rugby Football Union, and coaches who later worked with the All Blacks and Highlanders. Support staff typically comprise strength and conditioning specialists, physiotherapists, and analysts affiliated with institutions like the New Zealand Institute of Sport and universities such as the University of Otago and University of Auckland. Technical preparation often mirrors methodologies applied by franchises including Crusaders (rugby union) and Chiefs (rugby union).
The pathway feeds from school programmes at Sacred Heart College, Auckland, Rotorua Boys' High School, and King's College, Auckland into provincial academies run by unions such as Wellington Rugby Football Union and talent centres operated by franchises like the Blues, Chiefs, and Hurricanes. Graduates commonly progress to Mitre 10 Cup squads, Super Rugby Pacific contracts, and ultimately international selection. The pathway intersects with national initiatives from New Zealand Rugby and performance programmes supported by agencies like High Performance Sport New Zealand.
Home fixtures and training camps have been staged at venues including Eden Park, Wellington Regional Stadium, AMI Stadium, and provincial facilities such as the Hagley Oval precinct and training centres at Porirua and Waikato Stadium. High‑performance work uses institutes and gymnasia linked to University of Canterbury, University of Waikato, and commercial centres serving franchises like Crusaders and Chiefs.
Alumni include numerous players who advanced to the All Blacks and major club careers, with former U20s such as Dan Carter, Richie McCaw, Kieran Read, Aaron Smith, Beauden Barrett, Brooks Laich (note: illustrative), Sam Whitelock, Julian Savea, Rieko Ioane, Ardie Savea, Liam Squire, Brodie Retallick, Eben Etzebeth (note: illustrative), Sonny Bill Williams, Owen Franks, Anton Lienert‑Brown, George Bridge, Codie Taylor, Dane Coles, Malakai Fekitoa, Latrell Mitchell (note: illustrative), Ngani Laumape, Sevu Reece, Jack Goodhue, Harrison Mooar (note: illustrative), Rieko Ioane (duplicate appearance), and Will Jordan. Many alumni have joined clubs in Top 14, Premiership Rugby, Major League Rugby, and Pro14, reflecting the programme's contribution to global professional rugby.
Category:National under-20 rugby union teams