Seruvakula Assembles Youngest Sports World U20 Squad for New Zealand Tour

The Fiji Sports World Under 20 squad, which is gearing up for their tour of New Zealand next month, is the youngest in the program’s history, according to Head Coach Senirusi Seruvakula.

The 30-man squad, recently announced, is made up of players aged between 17 and 19, marking the youngest team ever assembled in this age group. The team includes several players who have previously represented Fiji at the Under 20 level, showcasing the depth of young talent emerging from the nation’s rugby ranks.

Seruvakula, who has been a key figure in developing Fiji’s future rugby stars, expressed his confidence in this new crop of players. “This is the youngest team to be assembled in this age-grade, and we are focused on their development over the next two years,” he said. “Our goal is to prepare these players for the next level, whether that be the Fijian Warriors, securing professional contracts, or eventually playing for the Fiji Water Flying Fijians.”

The squad largely consists of players selected from the Vodafone Deans competition, with a particular emphasis on those who represented the Vodafone School Boys Under 18 team during their recent tour of Fiji. These players competed in two exciting matches against their counterparts from Australia at Sigatoka’s Lawaqa Park last year, providing valuable exposure on the international stage.

The team has been preparing since late last year, with players traveling from across the country and abroad to secure a place on the 30-man roster. Seruvakula emphasized that his focus is not only on winning but on nurturing players for the long-term. “My goal is to see these young men fully matured by the time they reach the Flying Fijians, hopefully by the time they’re 23, at the peak of their careers,” he explained.

The team was originally set to compete in the Oceania Rugby U20 Challenge, but that event has been postponed. Instead, the squad has one month to prepare for the Under 20 Super Rugby competition, which will take place in New Zealand from March 15 to 22. This tournament will provide a critical opportunity for the young players to showcase their skills and gain more experience at a higher level.

Seruvakula remains optimistic about the future of Fiji rugby, noting that this current group of U20 players represents the future of the sport in the country. “These players are the next generation, and it’s important that we invest in them now to ensure they are ready for the challenges ahead,” he added.