Preparations are in full swing for the Fiji National Rugby League Under-18 team as they gear up to face the Tongan Schoolboys later this month. The team has been intensively training, focusing on fitness and conditioning in the gym, ahead of their first international match of the year.
Last year, the Fiji U18 squad gained valuable experience by playing two matches against the Australian Schoolboys, which provided a foundation for their current preparations. Most players in the current squad were selected based on their performances during recent rounds of the Fiji National Rugby League competition.
The highly anticipated match against the Tongan Schoolboys is scheduled for May 24, taking place at Churchill Park in Lautoka. This match is seen as a crucial opportunity for the young athletes to showcase their skills and gain additional international experience.
In a broader context, the Fiji Rugby Union has been emphasizing the importance of international competition for junior players. Head coach Wise Kativerata has expressed a commitment to increasing the number of matches for junior teams, including future games against strong competitors like Samoa and Papua New Guinea. This initiative aims to enhance the competitiveness of Fijian rugby and prepare these talented young players for professional opportunities in the sport.
As the Fiji U18 team prepares to face Tonga, the excitement builds not just for this match, but also for the potential of further international engagements that could greatly benefit the development of these young athletes.