There is one Eastern Bay family that will be feeling more tired than usual this morning – and for good reason.

The Tamati family will be up into the early hours of the morning supporting son Jai, who has been named on the bench for the New Zealand under-20s side in their must-win contest against Argentina in South Africa.

The halfback will be wearing jersey number 21 and will be hoping to make a big impression whenever he is introduced into the game.

Tamati, who has an explosive running game and dynamic pass is based in the Manawatu where he has been part of the Turbos academy for the past couple of seasons and looks set to make his NPC debut later in the year.

His journey through the rugby ranks reflects a deep commitment to the game he has grown up loving.

Tamati, of Maniapoto and Tuwharetoa descent, was born and raised in the deep south of New Zealand until he was eight years old beginning his rugby journey with rural clubs Ohai Nightcaps and Otautau, both of which have now merged at senior level.

After his family relocated north, Tamati continued his rugby progression and development with Kawerau rugby club, while attending Otakiri Primary School. He then moved to Whakatāne Intermediate and aligned with Whakatāne Marist for the rest of his JAB playing days.

He was part of the Tai Mitchell squads and the now defunct Roller Mills set-up with Bay of Plenty, before heading to Rotorua where he attended Rotorua Boys' High School and had a couple of successful campaigns in the school’s first XV.

His rugby skills have also seen him dominate at rugby sevens and touch.

Touch helped strengthen his pass, speed, accuracy and vision, all of which are key across the three formats. An eye for the gap and an ability to beat defenders saw Tamati named Condor Sevens Player of the Year and earn a spot with the New Zealand Men's Development Sevens squad.

Now he's based in Palmerston North as part of the Manawatu Rugby Academy and Hurricanes set-up.

A standout showing at the national under-20 tournament in Taupō back in March, where the Crusaders, Highlanders, Hurricanes, Chiefs, Blues, Moana Pasifika, Fijian Drua and New Zealand Barbarians all took part, helped Tamati earn himself a spot in the New Zealand side.

Don't be surprised if you see Tamati scoring in the Black jersey in the next game or two as a couple of good performances will seal his spot to the Junior Rugby World Cup in Italy.

Once he's back following that tournament, expect to see him in the green-and-white of Manawatu in some capacity in 2025.