Warriors looks into an intensive preparation towards World Rugby Pacific Challenge.
The Swire Shipping Fiji Warriors have started preparations for the World Rugby Pacific Rugby Challenge to be played in Suva next month.
44 players marched into camp in Suva for fitness testing and tactical sessions, with majority of the squad having been working with the FRU Academy since January.
Elite pathways Manager Bill Gadolo said the short lead in to the WRPC means the week’s intensive work load means the players need to make an impression on management quickly.
“The boys have come in for this selection camp and hopefully at the end of the 3 days the coaches will be able to determin the 28 member squad to contest the WRPC,” Said Gadolo.
The extended squad in camp is an assembly of various players from different competition background with the island based Fiji Airways Flying Fijians, plus members from the successful Fiji Airways Fijian Drua Squad, the Vodafone Fiji under 20 squad, FRU Development program and some players from Provincial Competitions.
Gadolo has been pleased with the shape the players have come into camp, ensuring quality of selection.
“Assembling the players quickly can be a challenge especially when you’re dealing with players who come outside of the program, with different fitness level than the ones we have within our control and grasp but so far so good.”
Gadolo emphasized that the selection criteria will be based on the different positional requirements and how each individual players fit into the structure that the National 15s program is following.
“We look at fitness level of the players and their ability to fit into the structure that we want.”
The Swire Shipping Fijian Warriors won their third straight WRPC title in 2018 so Gadolo is aware this year’s competition will be fierce as the other proud nations of Japan, Tonga and Samoa will be determined to take knock Fiji off the top.
“This year’s WRPC will be a really good challenge for the boys, they know it will be tough.”
“Going into the Rugby World Cup a lot of teams will be using their on island players to showcase their talents to their respective national 15s coaches, so we expect this WRPC tournament to be a building block and therefore at a high quality of competition.”
The Swire Shipping Fijian Warriors will begin their World Rugby Pacific Challenge title defence against
Swire Shipping Fijian Warriors 2019 Squad
Eroni Mawi, Emmanueli Naciva, Livai Natave, Mateo Qolisese, Mesulame Dolokoto, Vugakoto Veremalua, Mosese Gavidi, Tevita Ikanivere, Luke Tagi, Alivereti Rabukawaqa, Joseva Nasaroa, Peni Tupou, Tevita Naqali, Richard Derenelagi, Joeli Matalalaweru, Peni Naulago, Neori Racule, Taniela Ramasibana, Mosese Voka, Raikabula Momoedonu, Samisoni Uluinakauvadra, Alivereti Loatoa, Meli Nabura, Johnny Dyer, Frank Lomani, Serupepeli Vularika, Simione Kuruvoli, Sani Tagivetaua, Jone Vatuwaliwali, Caleb Muntz, Jone Manu, Kamali Bakana, Fabiano Navale, Cyril Reece, Tuidraki Samusamuvodre, Filimoni Savou, Filimoni Waqainabete, Apisalome Vota, Veramu Dikidikilati, Tira Wilagi, Romeo Ratuvou, Asaeli Atunaisa, Enele Malele, Osea Waqa.