Southern Lions and Western Force inside-centre Penijameni Naqau has been rewarded for his strong form in the Men’s U16 Super Rugby Championship with Australia U16s selection.
Rugby Australia on Friday morning confirmed the 25-player squad which will take on a Pacific All-Stars team on Tuesday 12 December at the AIS Rugby Field in Canberra.
Naqau is the Force’s lone representative after an impressive U16s Super Rugby campaign that included scoring two tries in four games. The RA release said: “Naqau is a deserved inclusion after a breakout year for the side.”
Safety Bay Senior High School student Naqau was twice named in the U16s Super Rugby Team of the Week, in Rounds 1 and 4.
Auckland-born Naqau plays for the Success-based Southern Lions, with his rugby idol being All-Blacks wing/centre Reiko Ioane.
National Pathways Manager Nic Henderson said: “We’ve picked an extremely talented squad out of the Super Rugby U16s Championship that will come into camp on December 8 at the AIS.
"Starting with the upcoming game against the Pasifika All Stars, this will be the first of many opportunities for these young men to pull on a gold jersey and represent their country.
“It’s exciting to think there are players in this squad that could be our Wallabies at the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia, and we’re looking forward to harnessing and encouraging that talent.”
Australia U16s 2023 Squad
Forwards
Bennett Armistead, Reds
Berakah Tuifaasisina, Reds
Daryus Sione, Waratahs
Ed Baxter, Waratahs
James Finegan, Waratahs
Jarvis Orr, Waratahs
Justice Taumoepeau, Waratahs
Kiama Jione, Reds
Kingsley Uys, Reds
Lewis Wilson, Waratahs
Liam Robinson, Reds
Marcus Mastro, Waratahs
Louis Treacy, Rebels
Will Ross, Reds
Backs
Angus Grover, Waratahs
Cameron Kirsten, Brumbies
Denzel Veikune, Brumbies
Finn McKay, Reds
Heamasi Makasini, Waratahs
Liam Collett, Brumbies
Onitoni Large, Waratahs
Peni Naqau, Force
Rex Bassingthwaighte, Waratahs
Tom Hartman, Waratahs
Treyvon Pritchard, Reds
