Two members of the Mount Aspiring College (MAC) boys 1st XV rugby side have been selected in the Highlanders U18 training squad announced earlier this week.

MAC captain and midfield back Ryan Schmack along with prop Rhys Hughes have been two of the stand out players for the college 1st XV this year and their selection in the Highlanders U18 squad is “great reward” for their efforts, MAC director of rugby Hamish Crosbie said.

“Rhys has played every minute of every game for the past three seasons,” Hamish said. “He is a strong ball carrier with excellent ball skills and a solid defender.

“Ryan has an excellent skill set and is an outstanding defensive player. He made 147 of 159 tackles this season (92 per cent success rate). He has played mainly second-five or centre but has been selected in the camp as an outside back,” Hamish said.

The two young men have been playing rugby in Wanaka together since they were kids and Rhys said he was delighted to be selected along with one of his mates.

“It’s something we have been working hard towards and pleased to be given this opportunity,” Rhys said.

Ryan was quick to acknowledge his teammates when he heard the news of his selection.

“My teammates have helped me throughout the season and I wouldn’t have gotten this opportunity without them. It’s great to be able to represent Wanaka and country rugby,” Ryan said.

MAC has had five players make the Highlanders U18 training camp in the past three years, which Hamish said reinforced the fact that young athletes can get noticed and achieve at a high level while living in Wanaka.

The Highlanders U18 squad will assemble on Sunday September 27 and play against the Crusaders U18 side on Friday October 2.

PHOTO: Supplied