The Fiji Under-18 rugby team is gearing up for a highly anticipated match against the Australian Schoolboys in Canberra next week. Head coach Peniona Ranitu has confirmed that 28 players will be part of the traveling contingent, with an additional four serving as non-traveling reserves. To mark their journey, the team will be bid farewell in a church service at Suva Grammar School on Sunday before they depart for Australia on Monday.
The selection process for this squad has been comprehensive, involving talent identification during the Deans competition, a prominent annual secondary schools rugby event that unfolded at a zonal level. This rigorous selection intensified during the national stages last month. Initially, 36 players were part of the extended training squad. However, some players left the squad for overseas rugby scholarships, notably in Japan, necessitating final adjustments.
Central to the team’s preparation has been fostering team cohesion and integration, as players hail from various schools. “Bringing them together was the main focus of our camp,” Ranitu stated. In a ceremonial gesture, the team presented its iTatau to the acting Minister for Youth and Sports, Maciu Nalumisa, underscoring their commitment and readiness.
The Fiji Schoolboys will face their Australian counterparts at Viking Park in Canberra on Monday, September 29, followed by a second encounter on Saturday, October 4. The team’s disciplined approach and solid preparation reflect the high expectations for their performance against a formidable Australian side. This tour not only serves as an international platform for these young athletes but also as a proud moment for the nation, watching its young talents compete on a global stage.
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