It will be a family affair for the Gatlands when the British and Irish Lions play the New Zealand Provincial Barbarians in Whangarei in June.
Rob Howley, Andy Farrell, Warren Gatland and Steve Borthwick are the Lions coaching staff. Photo: Supplied/Lions.com
North Harbour first-five Bryn Gatland has been picked for the Barbarians and will square off against his father Warren Gatland, who coaches the British and Irish Lions.
North Harbour's Bryn Gatland kicks a conversion. Photo: Photosport
The bulk of the Barbarians squad for the match, which opens the Lions tour, was named today, and features a mix of up and coming talent and provincial veterans, including Wanganui stalwart Peter Rowe.
The squad includes players from 15 different provinces.
"It was important to us in selecting this team that it was truly representative of New Zealand," coach Clayton McMillan said.
"It wasn't an easy task, the amount of talent considered is testament to how strong New Zealand rugby is now."
"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."
Of the 19 players named today, 13 have previously donned the black jersey for either New Zealand Schools, New Zealand Under 20s or Maori All Blacks.
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 the country.
Four of the forwards boast Super Rugby experience, as well as exciting Taranaki midfielder Johnny Fa'auli who has made several appearances for the Chiefs in 2017.
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)
-RNZ
