future chiefs ready to ignite against nz māori u18
The Chiefs Rugby Club is proud to announce a squad of 37 of the region’s most promising young players to represent The University of Waikato Chiefs U18 team against NZ Māori U18.
The clash will kick-off at 12pm on Saturday 20 September at St Paul’s Collegiate in Kirikiriroa as part of a double-header event hosted by New Zealand Rugby (NZR). Following the U18’s battle, fans will have an opportunity to see the NZ Secondary Schools team face the NZ Barbarians at 2pm – a full day showcasing the next wave of Chiefs and NZ Rugby talent.
The squad is at the heart of the Chiefs Pathways Programme, uniting secondary school and club players from the regions that make up Chiefs Country. Having a new provincial union added to the Chiefs whānau this year it will be the first time that a team has been assembled across the seven unions.
“This is the first time that we have selected a squad of players that represents all seven of our Chiefs provincial unions. It is great to have Ngāti Porou East Coast as part of the Chiefs whanau and we are sure their players will make their mark in this team and in the future”. Said Mike Rogers, Chiefs Pathways Manager.
regional pride in team management
The coaching and management group behind the University of Waikato Chiefs U18 side is another strong example of the Chiefs’ commitment to nurturing talent across the region. Each member has earned their spot through proven success ensuring the programme reflects the very best for the club. Ex Gallagher Chiefs Player and current Athlete Development Coach Liam Messam has been appointed Head Coach of the side, with key support from Hika Elliot who recently coached Rotorua Boys High to success in the national ‘Top 4’ competition.
“We are really proud to reward people who are achieving to a high standard in our schools, clubs and provincial unions.” Messam details. “To have three coaches involved with the University of Waikato Chiefs U18 team who have had outstanding success in 2025 with their respective First XV’s is acknowledgement of their contribution to developing our future Chiefs”.
In a new initiative for the Chiefs Rugby Club, five U16 players will be included in the U18 squad as apprentice players. This opportunity give’s the regions youngest talent an early taste of the high-performance environment, helping them prepare for the step up to the next level of rugby in years to come.
With two exciting games on the day, Chiefs whānau are encouraged to be out in force for their chance to see tomorrow’s stars in action. Entry is free, and Chiefs merchandise will be available for purchase on the day so fans can gear up and help lift the next generation of Chiefs. For fans who can’t get to the game a full stream of the match will be available on Chiefspass.com shortly after the game.
Game Details
University of Waikato Chiefs U18s vs NZ Māori U18s
🗓️ 20 September
📍 St Paus Collegiate
🕐12pm Kick-off
University of Waikato Chiefs U18 Squad Selection 2025
· Ashton Chwesik, Rugby United, Thames Valley
· Ben Parnwell, St John’s College, Waikato
· Caleb Puamau, Hamilton Boy’s High School, Waikato
· Cassius Meleiseä, Manurewa High School, Counties-Manukau
· Darion Dais, Taupo-nui-a-Tia College, King Country
· Devontae Pasi, Manurewa High School, Counties-Manukau
· Epeli Pohiva, Wesley College, Counties-Manukau
· Ethan Watts, Hauraki North Rugby Club, Thames Valley
· Harper Mills, St John’s College, Waikato
· Hieke McGarvey, Rotorua Boys’ High School, Bay of Plenty
· Isi Tuutafaiva, Rotorua Boys’ High School, Bay of Plenty
· Ivan Ward, Tauranga Boys’ College, Bay of Plenty
· Jackson Edwards, St Peter’s School, Waikato
· Kahn Charlton, Tauranga Boys’ College, Bay of Plenty
· Kent Mills, Hamilton Boys’ High School, Waikato
· loapo Kupita, Tauranga Boys’ College, Bay of Plenty
· Luke Goodman, New Plymouth Boys’ High School, Taranaki
· Luke Worsp, Rotorua Boys’ High School, Bay of Plenty
· Malachi Emmett, Tauranga Boys’ College, Bay of Plenty
· Maxwell Kara, Hamilton Boys’ High School, Waikato
· Te Ngakau Welsh, Uawa Rugby Club, East Coast
· Patelisio Tavake, Rotorua Boys’ High School, Bay of Plenty
· Pep Chisholm, Rotorua Boys’ High School, Bay of Plenty
· Quintus Daniell, St Paul’s Collegiate, Waikato
· Ryan Hume, Taupo-nui-a-Tia College, King Country
· Rhydian Spice, Tauranga Boys’ College, Bay of Plenty
· Riley Mitchell, New Plymouth Boys’ High School, Taranaki
· Solomone Mailulu, Rotorua Boys’ High School, Bay of Plenty
· Teina Beets, Te Awamutu College, Waikato
· Tipene Taikato-Smith, Tauranga Boys’ College, Bay of Plenty
· Tommy McQuoid, Tauranga Boys’ College, Bay of Plenty
· Whaitiri Preston, Bombay Rugby Club, Counties-Manukau
University of Waikato Chiefs U18 Apprentice Players 2025
· Cullen Parai, Hamilton Boys’ High School, Waikato
· Deon Fifita, Hamilton Boys’ High School, Waikato
· Jessiah Peteli, Manurewa High School, Counties-Manukau
· Luteru Isaia, Francis Douglas Memorial College, Taranaki
· Seremaia Salikikoro, Tauranga Boys College, Bay of Plenty
University of Waikato Chiefs U18’s Coaching and Management Team
Liam Messam – Head Coach (Chiefs Rugby Club)
Hika Elliot – Assistant Coach (Rotorua Boys High School)
Carl Perry – Assistant Coach (St Peters School Cambridge)
Courtney Mita – Assistant Coach (Rotorua Boys High School)
Ryan Danby – Strength and Conditioning Coach (Chiefs Rugby Club)
Keith Middlemiss – Team Manager (King Country Rugby Union)
Jesse-James Tipene and Brad Morgan – Analysts (Chiefs Rugby Club)
Leon Harris – Physiotherapist (Tauranga Boys College)
Mike Rogers – Campaign Manager (Chiefs Rugby Club)
Dana Heta – Chiefs Rugby Club Liaison (Chiefs Rugby Club)
