Solomona picked for NZ under-20s
Congratulations to Solomona Sakalia, the MSP prop who was selected today for the New Zealand
under-20 side that will attempt to defend its champion's title at the Junior World Cup in Italy in June.
Solomona's name was read out after strong trial performances at the Rugby Institute at Massey in Palmerston North. A product of Wellington College, he was named MVP for MSP's premiers in 2010, his first year out of school.
Congratulations also to Paul Tuia, who has been selected for Samoa's under-20 team. Paul is a St Pat's Town old boy who made his premier debut last year. Coached by John Schuster, the Samoan team will play in the second tier of rugby nations that includes Canada, the USA and Japan. Their tournament will be in Georgia from 24 May to 5 June, where they will seek to get back into the top tier for the 2012 Junior World Cup.
New Zealand's campaign to retain the Junior World Cup this year begins with a match against Italy at Treviso on 10 June. Solomona will no doubt get a few tips on winning world cups from fellow MSP prop Jeff Allen, who was in last year's New Zealand under-20 team.
The selections of Solomona and Paul are great honours for them personally and continue a proud tradition for the club, which this year is celebrating its 40th anniversary. The first MSP players to wear a black New Zealand jersey were Grant Batty and Joe Karam, New Zealand Juniors and All Blacks back in 1972.
The full list of MSP's national and provinicial reps over the years can be found on the Honours Board.
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