National Under-20 rugby head coach Senirusi Seruvakula is set to unveil his final 30-member squad in the last week of January, as the team prepares for two significant tournaments taking place in New Zealand in March: the Oceania and the Super U20 competitions.
Seruvakula noted that most of the players in the extended squad were chosen from last year’s Vodafone Deans Trophy competition, indicating a strong foundation from local talent. Additionally, there has been considerable interest from players based overseas, with a few already training with the team.
“The focus of the team is primarily on these two tournaments,” Seruvakula emphasized. “We will compete as the national U20 side during the Oceania tournament and represent the Drua U20 in the Super Rugby U20 competition.”
The Oceania tournament will feature teams from Tonga, Samoa, and Moana Pasifika. The coaching staff plans to depart for New Zealand during the last week of February. After the Oceania tournament, which occurs in the first week of March, the team will take a short break before gearing up for the Super U20 competition, which will last about a week and a half.
To bolster the squad, Seruvakula and his coaching staff will hold open trials in Duva, Sigatoka, and Nadi on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, respectively, giving aspiring players a chance to showcase their skills and potentially earn a spot in the final lineup.
This proactive approach not only emphasizes the importance of nurturing local talent but also shows the commitment of the coaching staff to build a competitive and well-rounded team for the upcoming challenges. The collaboration of overseas-based players alongside local athletes promises to enhance team dynamics and performance.
With the excitement building for these international tournaments, the Fijian Under-20 team prepares for an opportunity to shine on a larger stage, engendering hope for future successes in the sport.
Leave a comment