Kerr-Barlow Named in All Black Squad

Steve Hansen has named a slew of youngsters in his All Blacks training squad for the June test matches against Ireland.  The 35-man squad includes HBHS Old Boy Tawera Kerr-Barlow in the backs.  Kerr -Barlow was the youngest player to be signed to a Super 14 Rugby franchise when he was acquired by Waikato Rugby Union at the age of 17.  He boarded at Argyle House while studying at HBHS and enjoyed a stellar school boy rugby career.

A member of the New Zealand Secondary Schools team, as well as the national schools sevens side and New Zealand Under 17, Kerr-Barlow was also part of the Waikato union's pre-academy programme, followed by the WRU High Performance Academy. 

Kerr-Barlow has strong family connections with the sport, including former Waikato All Blacks Steve and Rob Gordon, as well as being nephew of former Waikato, Warrington and NZ Maori league rep, Tukere Barlow.  His mother Gail Barlow, played half-back for the Australia women's team in 1995 and 1996.  One of the reasons Kerr-Barlow stayed in New Zealand was that he has always been excited about the All Black jersey and the possibility of wearing it one day.

We congratulate Tawera on his superb achievement and look forward to seeing him go from strength to strength.