Fiji to host Tonga in the 2017 Oceania Rugby U20s Trophy

The Oceania Rugby Under 20 Trophy is set to return to Fiji in 2017 with Fiji Rugby Union being announced today as hosts of this year’s tournament.

The Under 20 Trophy will be held at Churchill Park, Lautoka FIJI. With two (2) teams confirmed the tournament will consist of 2 matches on 28th November and 2nd December 2017.

Fiji and Tonga will be competing for the Oceania Rugby Qualification to the 2018 World Rugby Under 20 Trophy and the 2018 Oceania Rugby U20s Championship joining Samoa Rugby Union, who were relegated from the World Rugby Under 20 Championship in 2017.

Fiji will be looking to replicate their results from 2016 which saw the team compete at the 2017 World Rugby U20s Trophy in August in Uruguay.

Richard Sapias Oceania Rugby President said,

“Tournaments such as the Oceania Rugby U20s Trophy are a vital component to the international player pathway for Unions in our Region. International age grade tournaments assist bridging the transition from school and provincial competitions to national representation.”

Head coach of the Flying Fijian’s John McKee stated,

“I am very much looking forward to seeing the Fiji U20s team performance across these 2 games in the Oceania U20 Trophy as the pathway for the winner to compete in the 2018 Junior World Trophy”

McKee further added,

“The U20s team is a very important team for Fiji Rugby in our Elite Player Development Pathway from schoolboys to higher levels of National Team representation in the Fiji Warriors & Flying Fijians.”

Toutai Kefu coach of the Ikale Tahi also acknowledge the importance for the U20 tournament stating,

“The Oceania Rugby U20s Trophy tournament provides a key pathway for local talent to the National Team. A large percentage of current Ikale Tahi squad have come through the U20’s program.”

• Tickets are available at the Lautoka City Council Office and the Fiji Rugby Union Office in Suva.
  • $5 entry (Children under 12 Free Entry to Wooden Grandstand and Embankment)
• Match Schedule:
  • 28th November Fiji v Tonga – Kick off at 5pm (Fiji Local Time)
  • 2nd December Fiji v Tonga – Kick off at 5pm (Fiji Local Time)

(Source: Oceania Rugby Media Release)