The Northland Rugby Union High Performance Development Squad is a squad of talented local players ranging from 16 years to 21 years of age.

 

The players are selected by a selection panel which includes the NRU rugby development manager and trainer, Air New Zealand Cup coach, Rugby Development Officers and representative coaches in November of each year.

 

The criteria for selection is that the panel believes the players has the ability to play Air New Zealand Cup within 3 to 4 years.

 

The players started training in November 2009 and train through to late September 2010 under the guidance of rugby development manager Hector Davies and trainer Nick Collins.

 

Each player has an individual development plan based around the NZRU six pillars of development curriculum:

Physical, Nutrition, Technical, Tactical, Mental, Holistic.

 

The NRU High Performance Development Squad also involves the following specialist providers to assist with the programme;
Bryce Woodward- NRU Air New Zealand Cup Coach

Blair Larsen- NRU Air New Zealand Cup Coach

Nick Sheppard- Blues High Performance Manager based in Auckland

David Galbraith- Sports Psychologist based in Hamilton

Ady Ngawati- Nutritionist based in Whangarei

Mike Cron- All Black front row coach based in Christchurch

Nick White- Northland front row specialist based in Auckland

Jon Renes- Specialist weights coach based in Whangarei