Announcement: Sports World Fijian Under-20 Tour Squad for New Zealand

The Fiji Rakavi Football Union Limited (FRFUL) is pleased to announce the Sports World Fijian Under-20 Tour Squad for their upcoming international rugby campaign in New Zealand. After a rigorous selection process, which saw the squad reduced from an initial 45 players, the final team has been confirmed for this exciting tour that puts our age-grade players against some of the best in the Pacific.

The selected squad has been in training since late last year, under the watchful eyes of an experienced coaching staff, including Head Coach Senirusi Seruvakula, Assistant Coach Saiasi Fuli, and High-Performance Coach Mike Legge. The team has undergone intense preparations, including fitness tests, zone training, and a series of trial matches, culminating in a final trial held yesterday at Laucala Bay in Suva.

The Fijian Under-20s will first compete in the Oceania Rugby Under-20 Challenge, scheduled between late February and early March 2025 in Auckland, New Zealand. During the tournament, Fiji will face Tonga, Samoa, and an Invitational Moana Pacifica side, offering valuable international exposure for the team.

Following the Oceania Rugby Challenge, the same group of players will then embark on a second mission in New Zealand, participating in the Super Rugby Under-20 Competition in which is scheduled for 15th to 22nd March.

The final squad of 30 players was selected based on consistent performance throughout a series of camps and trials, with each player displaying exceptional talent and determination. The full roster is as follows:

1. Rupeni Nuinui – Prop
2. Marika Koroi – Prop
3. John Toe – Prop
4. Raymond Navunikaba – Prop
5. Eroni Sarasau – Prop
6. Alivereti Nagiri – Hooker/Prop
7. Vaimoe Koroi – Hooker
8. Waisake Vakacere – Hooker
9. Iliesa Erenavula – Lock
10. Savenaca Driu – Lock
11. Sosi Waqa – Lock
12. Samuela Qabale – Lock/Flanker
13. Noa Rauluni – Flanker
14. Isoa Koroinawai – Flanker
15. Sam Chapman – Flanker
16. Sireli Nete – No. 8
17. Epeli Roseruvakula – No. 8
18. Meli Buinimasi – Halfback
19. Adam Francis – Halfback
20. Sikeli Bari – Halfback/First Five
21. Iliesa Baravilala – First Five/Fullback
22. Asi Tuilagi – First Five
23. Anare Tabakaucoro – Second Five/First Five/Fullback
24. Asaeli Pacolo – Center/Wing
25. Joji Lutumailagi – Second Five
26. Siva Lumelume – Center
27. Mesake Nalase – Wing/Fullback
28. Joeli Railala – Wing
29. Emosi Nuku – Wing/Fullback
30. Macanawai Mocelutu – Fullback

The selected players will gather for a mini-camp from Tuesday, January 21 to Thursday, January 23, 2025, at Studio 6, Suva, to finalize preparations before the tour.

Additionally, an extra seven players have been selected to provide cover for injuries and emergencies throughout the tour. These players will travel daily from their respective homes:

1. Josua Uluibau – Hooker
2. Volau Mateyawa – Prop
3. Saimoni Vaisova – Tight Lock
4. Ratu Masau – Tight Lock
5. Ame Sagata – Halfback
6. Saki Matalulu – Center
7. Noe Ceinaturaga – Wing/Fullback

FRFUL is proud of the hard work and commitment displayed by all the players selected, and this squad represents the next generation of Fijian rugby talent, ready to showcase their skills on the international stage.

Head Coach, Senirusi Seruvakula, says the touring party is made-up players selected from last years Vodafone Deans Competition with some who have represented the U20 team last year at the World Rugby Under 20 Championship.

“We are extremely excited about this opportunity for our Under-20 team to compete in New Zealand,” shared Seruvakula.

“These players have shown immense growth, and this tour is a crucial step in their development as athletes and future stars of Fijian rugby. Our coaching staff, has done an excellent job in preparing the team for these challenging competitions, and we look forward to seeing them perform at their best.”

The two competitions in which the Sports World Fijian Under 20 will compete in New Zealand provides a pathway to professional Rugby contracts and paves a way for selection in the Senior National 15s teams.