SportsWorld Fijian Under 20: School Boys Ready for New Zealand Tour

As part of development and providing pathways for future rugby players, five promising schoolboys been training with the SportsWorld Fijian Under 20 team as they prepare for an upcoming tour of New Zealand. Head coach Senirusi Seruvakula has selected players aged between 17 to 19 years old with the goal of grooming them for future selection to the FIJI Water Flying Fijians, focusing on long-term development for Fiji Rugby.

Among the selected players are three students from Queen Victoria School (QVS) – Isoa Koroinawai, Savenaca Qabale, and Sikeli Bari. Ratu Kadavulevu School (RKS) is represented by Saimoni Vaisova, and Marist Brothers High School is represented by Asi Tuilagi.

Coach Seruvakula praised the selection of the schoolboys, emphasizing their potential for both immediate contributions and long-term development. “These young players will gain valuable experience not only through the tour but also in future competitions. The more we invest in their growth, the better it will be for Fiji Rugby, especially as they progress to represent our national teams in the future,” Seruvakula said.

Working closely with the Ministry of Education, the players from QVS and RKS will be transitioning to Suva Sangam College, which will allow them to attend training sessions in Suva and balance their academic commitments.

For these schoolboys, their inclusion in the Under 20 team is a huge opportunity. Many of them are in their final year of secondary school and are looking forward to competing at higher levels. 19-year-old Isoa Koroinawai, who was part of last year’s QVS Vodafone Deans-winning team and the Fiji Warriors in the Pacific Rugby Championship, expressed his gratitude for the guidance he’s received from Coach Seruvakula. “It’s a blessing to be mentored by Coach Senirusi. He pushes us to go beyond our limits, focusing on discipline and hard work during training. The experience has shaped me into a better player,” said Koroinawai.

The SportsWorld Fijian Under 20 team, having initially prepared for the Oceania Rugby Under 20 competition, will now shift its focus to the Under 20 Super Rugby competition scheduled for March 15th to 22nd, 2025. This is another step in the team’s preparation for future international competitions, as they aim to develop the next generation of Fijian rugby stars.

Coach Seruvakula concluded by stressing the importance of nurturing young talent: “This age group is the backbone of Fiji Rugby. By focusing on these players now, we are setting up Fiji for success on the world stage in the years to come.”