Hurricanes fullback Jordie Barrett has been left out of the New Zealand under-20's squad for their Oceania tournament due to Super Rugby commitments.
Barrett, who turned 20 in February, was named in the extended squad last month for the tournament, but injuries and form for the Hurricanes have meant Barrett is needed at the Wellington-based side.
The youngster has been in incredible form for the Hurricanes and has stepped up in the absence of Nehe Milner-Skudder, who fractured his foot earlier in the season.
Barrett has also been selected as an 'apprentice' on the All Blacks end of year tour in 2016 and is being touted as a possible bolter for the up and coming British and Irish Lions series starting in June.
New Zealand Under-20 Head Coach Craig Philpott said he was pleased with the depth of the squad despite not having Barrett available for the Oceania tournament.
"With Stephen [Perofeta] and Jordie not available we needed extra cover at first-five-eight. Ciarahn Matoe's time with the Chiefs under-20 squad has gone well and he proved himself with the New Zealand Secondary Schools team last year. This is a good opportunity for him and one I am sure he will make the most of," said Philpott.
"We had hoped that Stephen would be available for selection. However, it's become clear he won't be ready in time for the tournament due to his ankle injury.
"As has been the case in previous years' players have been deemed unavailable for the Oceania tournament due to their Super Rugby commitments."
The decision of whether to send Barrett over to the under 20 World Championships in June will ultimately sit with New Zealand Rugby.
The current squad will travel to the Gold Coast for matches against Fiji on 28 April, Samoa on 2 May and Australia on 6 May. All matches will be played at Bond University, Gold Coast Rugby Fields.
New Zealand under-20s squad for the Oceania tournament: Harrison Allan, Asafo Aumua, Sam Caird, Adrian Choat, Tom Christie, Ryan Coxon, Tim Farrell, Alex Fidow, Luke Jacobson (c), Ezekiel Lindenmuth, Marino Mikaele-Tuu, Dalton Papalii, Jacob Pierce, John Sauni, Samuel Slade, Pouri Rakete-Stones, Isaia Walker-Leawere, Caleb Clarke, Ereatara Enari (vc), Braydon Ennor, Tima Faingaanuku, Tiaan Falcon, Will Jordan, Kemara Hauiti-Parapara, Orbyn Leger, Ciarahn Matoe, Josh McKay, Jona Nareki, Carlos Price, Tamati Tua, Thomas Umaga-Jensen
Newshub.
