National Under-20 head coach Senirusi Seruvakula is set to announce his final 30-member squad in the last week of January as the team gears up for two significant tournaments in New Zealand scheduled for March: the Oceania and the Super U20 competitions.
Seruvakula mentioned that the majority of the players in the extended squad were selected based on their performances in the Vodafone Deans trophy competition last year. There has been considerable interest from overseas-based players, with a number already participating in training sessions with the squad.
“The primary focus for this team will be these two tournaments,” Seruvakula noted. He explained that during the Oceania tournament, the team will compete as the national U20 side, followed by representing the Drua U20 in the Super Rugby U20 competition.
The Oceania tournament will feature regional teams including Tonga, Samoa, and Moana Pasifika. The squad is scheduled to depart in the last week of February and will have a brief rest period after the Oceania tournament before transitioning to the second tournament, which will span approximately a week and a half.
To finalize the squad, Seruvakula and his coaching staff will conduct open trials in Duva, Sigatoka, and Nadi on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday respectively.
This proactive approach to selecting talent not only showcases the dedication of the coaching staff but also highlights the commitment to nurturing young athletes. The inclusion of overseas players may further enhance the team’s competitiveness, offering an exciting prospect for their participation in the upcoming tournaments. This initiative reflects a promising future for rugby in the region, fostering potential talents and solidifying team dynamics.
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