Fiji Under 20 Leave for New Zealand
The Fiji Under 20 rugby team left for New Zealand this morning farewelled by family and friends at the Nadi International Airport to take part in the Oceania Rugby Under 20s Challenge in Auckland.
The tournament which kicks-off tomorrow morning sees Fiji up against their pacific neighbors Tonga, Samoa and the invitational side Moana Pasifika.
Comprising of players from the last years Deans Competition, Provincial Under 20 Rugby Teams, and with the inclusion of such players like Baselala from the Fijian Drua, Fiji has a formidable side to contest against some of the best in the region.
In an interview with Oceania Rugby News, Elite Pathways & Performance Manager, Bill Gadolo shared: The Fijian pathway focuses on developing our age-grade talent for the modern game, including travel exposure, adaptability, and short turnaround tournaments. We welcome Oceania Rugby and Moana Pasifika for taking the initiative to engage Fiji, Tonga, Samoa and Moana Pasifika”
Fiji’s preparation began in December last year with the team being selected in early January 2024 for the Oceania U20 Challenge and U20s Aotearoa Super Competition which is being used as a baseline in preparation for the Junior World Cup that will be staged in South Africa from June 29th to July 19th.
Gadolo adds: “The inclusion of the Fijian Drua and Fiji’s Under 20’s spot in the World Rugby U20s Championship has attracted many players of Fijian decent worldwide.”
Fiji’s Oceania Rugby Challenge game times:
Fiji vs Tonga – 27th March at 7.30 PM (NZ Time)
Fiji vs Moana Pasifika – 2nd March at 3 PM (NZ Time)
Fiji vs Samoa – 6th March at 7.30 PM (NZ Time)