Trident High School touch star Lysahn Collier is hoping to do her province, school and family proud over the next month.

At 17, Lysahn is the youngest player to have been selected in the New Zealand Open Women’s Touch team to face Australia in a series in Christchurch later this month.

She has also earned selection in the New Zealand under-18 girls’ team that will compete in the upcoming Asia Pacific Youth Touch Cup, being held in Redcliffe, Queensland, from May 15 to 17.

Lysahn has been a key player in her Trident High School team and was a standout for Bay of Plenty at nationals back in February.

Another Eastern Bay player, Manaia Herbert, has gained selection in the under-20 mixed team.

Lysahn is looking forward to the upcoming experiences.

“I was very surprised to have been selected.

“I am proud of myself. I’m the youngest in the team.

“So, I’m looking forward to learning a lot and playing with experienced players.”

The Australians are known as the best touch players in the world and Lysahn is looking forward to getting on the park against them.

“It’ll be tough competition, they are a fit and fast team.”

What’s interesting is Lysahn has never represented New Zealand before, so her first appearance will be for the open women’s team rather than her under-18 age group, which follows a month later.

In the Trans-Tasman series, she will be one of eight New Zealand players making their debut in the open women’s team.

“This is my first time playing at this high level. It will be tough.”

Donning the silver fern has always been a goal.

“I have always wanted to represent New Zealand, but I wasn’t expecting to get selected so young.

“I’ve been playing touch since I was under-10s, so I was around eight or nine years old.”

She has her eyes set on making a touch world cup, possibly in 2028 when New Zealand has been granted hosting rights.

“That would be special. The next one is in three years.”

Her series against the Australians is from April 25-27 and being held at Nga Puna Wai in Christchurch.