New Zealand U20 Squad 2026: Junior World Championship Team Named

The official New Zealand U20 Squad 2026 has been confirmed for the upcoming World Rugby Junior World Championships (JWC) in Georgia. National Pathways Head Coach Kane Jury has selected a powerful 30-man team. This lineup features eight key changes from the squad that competed in South Africa earlier this year.

All Blacks Sevens Stars Bolster the Squad

The newly announced New Zealand U20 Squad 2026 receives a massive boost from the All Blacks Sevens program. Explosive winger Kele Lasaqa and physical loose forward Bradley Tocker return to the fifteen-a-side format. Notably, Lasaqa’s inclusion comes just a day after winning the 2026 World Sevens Rookie of the Year award.

Several other talented players join the squad to strengthen the core. Hooker Alani Fakava, alongside Xavier Leota and loose forward Jake Hutchings, earn their spots. Meanwhile, James Moore, Triumph Voice, and Lautasi Etuale return after recovering from earlier injuries.

Intense Competition for National Places

Coach Kane Jury highlighted the difficult selection process due to high player performance levels across provincial programs. He credited the New Zealand Rugby player pathway for delivering athletes who are physically and mentally prepared. A recent elite tight five camp with All Blacks Assistant Coach Jason Ryan also provided world-class preparation for the young forwards.

The squad will assemble in Auckland on Sunday, June 14th. They will then fly out to Georgia for their pool stage matches. New Zealand will face competitive pool games against Japan, Scotland, and Italy.

Junior World Championship 2026 Match Schedule

Global fans can catch every single match live and exclusive on Sky Sport. The official pool stage times are locked in:

• Saturday, 27 June: New Zealand v Japan (AIA Arena Kutaisi – 11.30pm NZT)
• Friday, 3 July: New Zealand v Scotland (AIA Arena Kutaisi – 2.00am NZT)
• Tuesday, 7 July: New Zealand v Italy (AIA Arena Kutaisi – 9.00pm NZT)

Official New Zealand U20 Squad 2026 Lineup:

Hookers: Alani Fakava, Josh Findlay, Xavier Leota.

Props: Alexander Hewitt, Dane Johnston, James Moore, Henry Stuart, Ethan Webber.

Locks: Max Fale, Johnny Falloon, Jake Frost.

Loose Forwards: Kobe Brownlee, Micah Fale, Jake Hutchings, Patrick Mauga, Bradley Tocker, Caleb Woodley.

Halfbacks: Jackson Hughan, Boston Krone, Charlie Sinton.

First Five-Eighths: Cohen Norrie, Mika Muliaina.

Midfielders: David Lewai, Siale Pahulu, Triumph Voice, Haki Wiseman.

Outside Backs: Lautasi Etuale, Oliver Guerin, Kele Lasaqa, Logan Williams.

To follow live player stats and official tournament standings, check the updates on the official World Rugby website.