Provincial Barbarians squad named for opening match of NZ Lions Series

Provincial Barbarians Coach Clayton McMillan has today named the core of the squad for the series opener, which features a mix of players from 15 different provinces.

"It was important to us in selecting this team that it was truly representative of New Zealand," said McMillan.

"It wasn't an easy task, the amount of talent considered is testament to how strong New Zealand rugby is now. We believe we have found a mix of upcoming players and hardened provincial stalwarts to make an exciting team.

"We have picked the base of a team that is capable of playing an entertaining brand of rugby which fits with the BaaBaas tradition of innovation and flair and playing with pure guts and heart."

All Mitre 10 Cup Unions, Heartland Championship and Meads Cup Champions Wanganui are represented with veteran skipper and Barbarians Club member Peter Rowe set to add to his already impressive rugby experience.

Of the 19 players named, 13 have previously donned the black jersey for either New Zealand Schools, New Zealand Under 20s or the Maori All Blacks.

Bryn Gatland is also in line to face his father's British & Irish Lions.

The remainder of the squad will be confirmed closer to the team's assembly in Whangarei on May 28, as coaches monitor player progress across New Zealand.

Forwards:
Aiden Ross (Bay of Plenty)
Tolu Fahamokioa (Wellington)
Sam Anderson-Heather (Otago)
Epalahame Faiva (Waikato)
Marcel Renata (Auckland)
Quinten Strange (Tasman)
Joshua Goodhue (Northland)
Heiden Bedwell-Curtis (Manawatu)
Mitchell Brown (Taranaki)
Matthew Matich (Northland)
Peter Rowe (Wanganui)

Backs:
Jonathan Taumateine (Counties Manukau)
Jack Stratton (Canterbury)
Bryn Gatland (North Harbour)
Jonathan Fa'auli (Taranaki)
Jonah Lowe (Hawke's Bay)
Sevuloni Reece (Waikato)
Luteru Laulala (Counties Manukau)
Junior Ngaluafe (Southland)

The Provincial Barbarians are the first match on the Lions' tour on June 3 in Whangarei.