Nelson College first XV squad named

Nelson College have named their 2023 first XV squad ahead of their upcoming season, which starts in May.

The 30-strong squad was announced on Tuesday, with a host of returning names and new faces in the mix.

Thirteen backs and 17 forwards were named in the squad as they look towards their opening game of the Miles Toyota Championship, away against St Andrews on May 6.

The team will play their first home game against St Bede's in a rematch of last years final on May 13. It will be the first time the team has the opportunity to play on their newly upgraded field.

This season, the number of round robin games have been reduced from 13 to nine and a new Premiership and Championship format will be introduced.

The changes mean that the Waimea Combined Schools Barbarians will play in the championship, alongside Rangiora High School, Roncalli Combined, Mid Canterbury Combined, Hillmorton Combined, Cashmere Combined, as well as the second XV from St Bedes, Christchurch Boys, Christs College and St Thomas of Canterbury.

Nelson College first XV squad:

Forwards: Blake Craddock, Dane Leppien, Jack Trott, Jamie Hampson, Kobe Brownlee, Liam McKenzie, Linton Laiseni, Lucca Traut, Max Doerfler, Rore Morgan, Samiuela Moimoi, Saumaki Saumaki, Sione Mafi, Storm Bolatuku, Tawhiao Whitham-Tekotua, Teina Thompson and Tom Perkins.

Backs: Callum Robertson, Fanua Fa'avae, Finn Kilworth, Hamuera Topia-Pene, Harrison Inch, Jimmy West, Kaelan Grafton, Michael de Beer, Mikey Morrison, Nick Tootell, Norman Williams, Oliver Gibbons and Zyon Ford.

Click here for the 2023 season draw.