Five of the 10 MAGS players selected were, from left, John Latu, Patrick Pati, Jack-Casey-Pickering, Harley Maynard and Terrell Peita.
A total of 10 MAGS rugby players were selected for the Auckland Blues Under 17 and Under 18 Development squads which underwent training camps over the school holidays.
Six MAGS boys were chosen for the Under 18 squad. They were Deputy Head Boy and First XV Captain Jack Casey-Pickering, John Latu, Harley Maynard, Patrick Pati, Terrell Peita and Oliver Shepherd. They took part in a five-day camp at MAGS and the Blues High Performance Centre at Cornwall Park.
MAGS’ Head of Rugby, Mr Geoff Moon, said the boys were fully integrated with the Blues team to give them a taste of life as a professional player. They received position-specific advice from regional coaches, and education in technique, tactics, mental skills, nutrition, and the responsibilities of being a professional athlete in areas such as social media.
At the end of the week they played the Waikato Chiefs’ Under 18 side, winning 41-17.
Four MAGS players were chosen for the Blues Under 17 squad – Tommy Baker, Kahurangi Morehu, Damien Naufahu and Soane Vikena. They attended a one-day training session.