SINGAPORE - They excelled during a training programme last month. Now, rugby youth players Muhammad Nur Hidayat Jeffrydin and Miguel Erwin Besoro William have earned a coveted training stint in New Zealand next June.

The two 15-year-olds were the standout participants in last month's Heroes in the Making, in which local youth players train under rugby legends and renowned coaches with the long term view of developing them into future Singapore national players.

They will be heading to Wellington next June to be based at Super Rugby side Hurricanes, which has produced 30 All Blacks players including the late Jonah Lomu.

Besides a chance to experience world-class coaching at the Wellington academy, the boys will also participate in competitive matches against top New Zealand youth sides and witness the All Blacks training behind closed doors.

"I'm really excited about my first trip to New Zealand," said Nur Hidayat, a Damai Secondary student. "I hope to watch the All Blacks over there and learn new skills to become a better player to share with my mates when I return.

"It will be an experience playing against New Zealand youths, as I'm sure they will be very strong and fast as well."

Added William, who plays for St. Andrew's Secondary: "I am grateful to be selected for the New Zealand stint, as this will allow me to develop myself further and it wouldn't have been possible without the support of my coaches, teachers, teammates and family.

"I would like to experience how the Kiwis train and play under pressure, and strive to become a better player."

The Heroes in the Making program is a key ancillary activity of the 2017 HSBC Singapore Rugby Sevens that will be held at the National Stadium on April 15-16 next year.

Tickets to the 2017 HSBC Singapore Sevens are on sale at 20 per cent off its regular price which starts Jan 1. Visit www.singapore7s.sg for more ticketing options and VIP hospitality packages.