Fijian Under-20 squad named for World Rugby Championship
Fiji Under-20 Head Coach Ifereimi Rawaqa has named an exciting 30-member squad for the World Rugby Championship to be held in South Africa later this month.
Rawaqa said it has not been an easy selection for him and the coaches. “We would like to thank all the players who have been with us from the beginning of this campaign and provided stiff competition to those who have been selected to represent the nation in the World Rugby Under-20 Championship.”
The squad consists mostly of High-Performance players who have been in the system and played for the Fijian Drua-20s.
Eight overseas-based players have also made their cut into the traveling squad. Crusaders Under-20 Loosehead Prop, Mosese McGoon and Perth’s Sitiveni Tamani will guide the front row, Judah Saumaisue of Melbourne is in the locks, Waisea Tudulu has been named on the flanks,
In the backs, Hamilton-based Sakiusa Kama is one of the halfbacks, and Hurricanes duo, Isaiah Ravula and Epeli Waqaicece and Frank Ralogaivau will feature in the midfield.
The inclusion of halfback Philip Baselala and flanker Motikiai Murray who are currently part of the Fijian Drua extended squad for the Super Rugby Pacific are expected to play a vital role in the championship.
Motikai Murray has been named the captain of the side.
Coach Rawaqa said “The team has prepared really well and are looking forward to the Championship. We have had players who were also part of the Fijian Warriors and their experience has really boosted the side”
The Fijian Under-20 side is grouped with Australia, England, and Ireland.
“We have a very tough pool with tier-one nations in it. We need to be very careful in the way we approach our opponents. We are focusing on our first game which is against Australia” said Rawaqa.
Fijian Under-20 Squad to World Rugby Championship
Loosehead Prop
Mosese McGoon Crusaders U20
Sitiveni Tamani Perth
Breyton Legge HPU
Hookers
Kavaia Tagivetaua HPU
Josh Kina HPU
Joeli Nainoca HPU
Tighthead Props
Marika Toga Nadi U19
Emosi Natubailagi HPU
Lasaro Vuluma HPU
Locks
Mesake Vocevoce HPU
Nalani May HPU
Semi Tokitani HPU
Judah Saumaisue Melbourne
Flankers
Waisea Tudulu Canberra
Sakenasa Senivono HPU
Timoci Nakalevu HPU
Motikiai Murray Fijian Drua
Halfbacks
Philip Baselala Fijian Drua
Sakiusa Kama Hamilton
Netava Saukuru Fiji School Boys
Centers
Isaiah Ravula Hurricanes U20
Epeli Waqaicece Hurricanes U20
Frank Ralogaivau Brisbane
Tuitubou Maika HPU
Wings
Sireli Misiwini HPU
Bronson Lee HPU
Pateresio Finau HPU
Manieta Vonovono HPU
Fullbacks
Tupeni Waqalala Nadi U19
Basiyalo Sikeli HPU
Fixtures:
Sunday 25th June, 2023 2.30am
Fijian Under-20 VS Australia
Friday 30th June, 2023 5am
Fijian Under-20 VS England
Tuesday 4th July, 2023 11.30am
Fijian Under-20 VS Ireland