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 upcoming tournaments in New Zealand in March. The tournaments include the Oceania competition and the Super U20, where Seruvakula’s team will represent the nation and the Drua U20 rugby team, respectively.
The selection process for the squad heavily draws from players who showcased their talent at the Vodafone Deans trophy competition held last year. Seruvakula noted that there has been significant interest from overseas-based players, with several already training with the team.
“The focus for this squad remains firmly on the two tournaments,” he stated, emphasizing the importance of the Oceania competition, which will also feature teams from Tonga, Samoa, and Moana Pasifika. The squad is scheduled to depart for New Zealand in the final week of February. Following the Oceania tournament, players will have a brief hiatus of three days before they commence competing in the Super Rugby U20 tournament, which is planned to last approximately one and a half weeks.
The coaching staff will conduct open trials in Duva, Sigatoka, and Nadi over the coming week as they finalize their preparations.
This upcoming international exposure will not only enhance the skills of the young players involved but also provide them with invaluable experience on the international stage, setting a promising foundation for the future of rugby in the region. With supportive initiatives from the coaching staff and the interest from overseas players, the national U20 squad is poised for a competitive season ahead.
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