Provincial Barbarians Coach Clayton McMillan has today named the core of the squad for the series opener, which features an exciting mix of players from 15 different provinces.
All Mitre 10 Cup Unions and Heartland Championship and Meads Cup Champions Wanganui are represented
Of the 19 players named today, 13 have previously donned the black jersey for either New Zealand Schools, New Zealand Under 20s or Maori All Blacks.
The remainder of the squad will be confirmed closer to the team's assembly in Whangarei on May 28, as coaches monitor player progress across the country.
"The players will not only go into the match against the Lions representing their home regions, they will have the whole country behind them. For many, this match will be a career highlight and every player will be doing their very best to cause an upset in the opening match of what is going to be an exceptional Series."
Deputy Mayor, Sharon Morgan said the city was looking forward to adopting the Barbarians as a local team for the week leading into the match.
"Whangarei is excited to host the opening match of the DHL Lions Series and looking forward to supporting the Barbarians in the week leading up to this massive match.
"The atmosphere in the city will be incredible going into the game and even more so on the match day."
Tickets are currently available from $39 for an adult and $10 for a child from www.nzlionsseries17.com.
Forwards:
Aiden Ross (Bay of Plenty)
Tolu Fahamokioa (Wellington)
Sam Anderson-Heather (Otago)
Epalahame Faiva (Waikato)
Marcel Renata (Auckland)
Quinten Strange (Tasman)
Joshua Goodhue (Northland)
Heiden Bedwell-Curtis (Manawatu)
Mitchell Brown (Taranaki)
Matthew Matich (Northland)
Peter Rowe (Wanganui)
Backs:
Jonathan Taumateine (Counties Manukau)
Jack Stratton (Canterbury)
Bryn Gatland (North Harbour)
Jonathan Fa'auli (Taranaki)
Jonah Lowe (Hawke's Bay)
Sevuloni Reece (Waikato)
Luteru Laulala (Counties Manukau)
Junior Ngaluafe (Southland)
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