After an intensive two-day selection process hosted by the Bay of Plenty Unions Resource coaching team, the Bay of Plenty Under 16 Wider Training Group has been announced.

The process started with 62 nominated players from across the Bay of Plenty, who assembled at Blake Park in order to pursue their dreams of playing in a Bay of Plenty jersey.

After sessions with the Union's Nutritional Advisor and the Strength and Conditioning coaching team, players completed a half-day of skill development under Steamers Assistant Coach Rodney Gibbs alongside Bay of Plenty Under 19 Head Coach Mike Rodgers.

The final day concluded with players being separated into two teams, before a final team selection was announced to play Otumoetai College 1st XV.

'We were pleased to be able to offer 60 of our most promising Under 16 players' exposure to the world of high performance rugby," says Bay of Plenty Under 16 campaign manager Ian Parata.

Parata continues highlighting the invaluable experience for the trialists.

'To work alongside the Bay of Plenty Steamers Assistant Coach and our Under 19 Head Coach was a highlight for many of the young men.

"They will always remember the fitness training under our high performance strength and conditioning coach and the tough standards that are applied in a professional rugby environment."

Head Coach Barry Ririnui, assisted by Aaron Bidois and Archie Grant, then selected the following 28 players:

Aquinas College:

Darcy Hoskin
Taine Rush

Katikati College:

Tesimoni Uilou
Lesen Huiarangi
Sositeni Tautuaa

Otumoetai College:

Dion Greenfield
Mitchell Wragg

Opotiki College:

Rory McGough

Rotorua Boys' High School:

Te Ao Billing
Nirai Ririnui
Zach Ririnui
Te Rama Rueben
Haruto Takahashi
Manaia Church

Tauranga Boys' College:

Josh Baxter
Josh Bartlett
Veveni Lasaqa
Jed Jager
Kyle Martin
Jake McKean
Campbell Lucas
Kawhena Malcom

Te Puke High School:

Wiremu Heyblom

Te Whare Kura O Mauao:

Kaea Tane

Trident High School:

Chicane Paniora
Ethan Wharewera
Nephi Sanerieve
Rihari Jobe