The Fiji Schoolboys under-18 rugby team is in rigorous training for their upcoming two Test matches against Australia. Head coach Peniona Ranitu has narrowed down an extended squad of 38 players from the 80 who participated in trials on Wednesday. The final 30-member team will be finalized next week following a week-long training camp.
Ranitu stressed the need to keep the players’ fitness in check, especially after their recent participation in the lengthy Fiji Secondary School Deans competition. “The team will undergo strength and conditioning tests to evaluate their fitness levels and make any necessary adjustments,” he remarked. “From the initial trial, we can gauge their fitness, and it’s crucial that we maintain it, as the Australian team will present a formidable challenge.”
Fiji Rugby Union’s technical coach, Mike Legge, is concentrating on enhancing the players’ core skills alongside position-specific techniques, believing that this will better prepare the team for competition against Australia.
The Test matches are set to occur on September 27 and October 3 at Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka.