MEDIA RELEASE
23 November 2018

Taranaki Rugby history has been made after All Black Coach Steve Hansen named his side to play Italy on Sunday morning, New Zealand time.

A record number of six Yarrows Taranaki played have been selected in the All Blacks playing 23 for the final match of the Northern Hemisphere tour.

Lock Scott Barrett, first five-eighth Beauden Barrett and wingers Jordie Barrett and Waisake Naholo have been named in the starting XV. Meanwhile, prop and Yarrows Taranaki captain Angus Ta’avao and halfback Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi have been named on the bench.

The record equals that of 1905 where six Yarrows Taranaki players were selected for an All Black side – the highest number of Taranaki representatives in the national side.

Taranaki Rugby Chiefs Executive Officer Jeremy Parkinson is proud of the Yarrows Taranaki players who were selected for the final match of the tour.

“We are incredibly proud of the three Barrett brothers, Waisake, Angus and Te Toiroa for their achievements this year.

“It’s even more of a pleasure to see all our six Taranaki All Blacks make up a quarter of the playing 23 this weekend – the first time in our generation”, he said.

Parkinson said the All Blacks selection shows there is a pathway through Taranaki rugby.

Ta’avoa has played in one All Black test match after coming off the bench against Argentina in September and Tahuriorangi has two tests to his name.
 

-ENDS-

For more information, please contact
Jeremy Parkinson
TRFU CEO
jeremy@trfu.co.nz
021 898 550

Article added: Friday 23 November 2018