National Under-20 head coach Senirusi Seruvakula is set to announce the final 30-member squad in the last week of January as the team gears up for two significant tournaments in New Zealand. In March, they will compete in both the Oceania and the Super U20 competitions.
Seruvakula noted that most of the players selected for the extended squad were identified during last year’s Vodafone Deans trophy competition. He emphasized the heightened interest from overseas-based players, with several already participating in training with the team.
“The focus of this team is primarily on these two tournaments,” Seruvakula stated. He highlighted that the team will represent the national U20 side in the Oceania tournament and will then play as the Drua U20 in the Super Rugby U20 competition.
The Oceania tournament will feature teams from Tonga, Samoa, and Moana Pasifika. The squad is expected to depart for New Zealand in the last week of February, with the Oceania tournament scheduled for the first week of March. After a brief rest period following the Oceania competition, the team will prepare for the second tournament which will last approximately a week and a half.
Additionally, Seruvakula and his coaching staff will hold open trials in Duva, Sigatoka, and Nadi on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, providing opportunities for aspiring players to join the squad.
This endeavor showcases the commitment to developing rugby talent at the youth level and offers young athletes a platform to shine on an international stage, highlighting the potential for growth in the sport.
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