NZ Under 20 team named to play Japan in Junior World Championship opener

New Zealand has named its Under 20s team to face Japan in the opening Pool B match of the 2026 Junior World Championship on Saturday, June 27. Midfielder Haki Wiseman will captain the side at the AIA Arena Kutaisi in Georgia, according to the official team announcement.

The squad features All Blacks Sevens players loose forward Bradley Tocker and wing Kele Lasaqa. Openside Caleb Woodley and halfback Charlie Sinton are appointed as vice-captains for the match, which kicks off at 11.30pm NZT and will air exclusively on Sky.

New Zealand enters the tournament after finishing as runners-up at the Under 20s Rugby Championship in South Africa this May. The team has implemented several squad changes for the JWC, where they are grouped in Pool B alongside Japan, Italy, and Scotland.

Did You Know? New Zealand holds the record for the most World Rugby Under 20 Junior World Championship titles, with six wins achieved in 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2015, and 2017.

Who is leading the New Zealand Under 20s?

Haki Wiseman takes the captaincy for the opening clash. He is supported by vice-captains Caleb Woodley and Charlie Sinton. Head Coach Kane Jury stated that Wiseman and the other team leaders have been “great” during preparations in Georgia.

Jury noted the team spent a week adapting to the local heat and praised the facilities in Georgia. He expects a difficult start against a Japanese side he describes as “very well drilled” and capable of playing a “fast-paced game.”

Expert Insight: Samantha Carter notes that New Zealand’s recent history of runner-up finishes—both in the 2025 JWC in Italy and the May championship in South Africa—creates a clear objective for this squad to reclaim the top spot. The inclusion of Sevens specialists like Tocker and Lasaqa suggests a strategic emphasis on the speed and agility required to counter Japan’s expected pace.

What is the 2026 Junior World Championship schedule?

The New Zealand Under 20s will play all Pool B matches at the AIA Arena Kutaisi. The schedule is as follows:

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Saturday, 27 June: New Zealand v Japan (11.30pm NZT)
Friday, 3 July: New Zealand v Scotland (2.00am NZT)
Tuesday, 7 July: New Zealand v Italy (9.00pm NZT)

The team’s performance in these matches could determine their progression in the tournament. A strong start against Japan may be necessary to maintain momentum following their second-place finish in the 2025 edition.

Which players are in the squad for the Japan match?

The starting lineup includes Henry Stuart, Josh Findlay, Dane Johnston, Max Fale, Jake Frost, Bradley Tocker, Caleb Woodley, Micah Fale, Charlie Sinton, Mika Muliaina, David Lewai, Haki Wiseman, Siale Pahulu, Kele Lasaqa, and Logan Williams.

The reserves are Alani Fakava, Ethan Webber, Alex Hewitt, Johnny Falloon, Kobe Brownlee, Jackson Hughan, Cohen Norrie, and Ollie Guerin. Patrick Mauga is unavailable for selection due to injury.

Frequently Asked Questions

When and where is the New Zealand U20s opening match?
The match against Japan takes place on Saturday, 27 June, at 11.30pm NZT at the AIA Arena Kutaisi in Georgia.

Who are the designated leaders of the team?
Haki Wiseman is the captain, while Caleb Woodley and Charlie Sinton serve as vice-captains.

How many Junior World Championship titles has New Zealand won?
New Zealand has won six titles, the most of any nation in the history of the competition.

How do you think the team’s experience in the South African championship will impact their performance in Georgia?