First XV Captain Bede Giera selected in New Zealand Schools' Team.

The New Zealand Schools' team is the first rung on the high-performance ladder of New Zealand rugby, introducing young players to the culture and environment of New Zealand’s national teams. Many players who shine at the professional level of the game and attain higher honours have begun their careers with the New Zealand Schools' team.

The selection process is thorough to ensure that there is opportunity for players to be considered regardless of where they are from within New Zealand.

Congratulations Bede, a fantastic reward for your hard work and dedication on and off the rugby field. We wish you the best of luck on your representative journey. Work hard and make the most of every opportunity!

You can catch Bede and the NZ Schools' team in action as they take on Samoa, Australia and Fiji next month in Hamilton.

Fixtures:

• Wednesday, 2 October - NZ Schools vs Samoa U18, 4pm (St Paul's Collegiate, Hamilton)

• Sunday, 6 October - NZ Schools vs Australia U18, 4pm (FMG Stadium, Hamilton)

• Thursday, 10 October - NZ Schools vs Fiji U18, 2pm (St Paul's Collegiate, Hamilton).