Rawaqa names Fiji U20 side for Oceania
THE Fiji Rugby Union yesterday announced its Fijian under-20 squad to participate at the Oceania Championship at Sun Shine Coast in Australia on Monday.
Fiji under-20 head coach Ifereimi Rawaqa said they had finally chopped down the squad to 29 after going through their process of scouting and different phases of training.
“We prepared well for the last two years but unfortunately we were hit by COVID-19 so players who were in the Under-20 category graduated to senior-level, therefore, we had to start from scratch and manhunt the players,” the former Fiji lock forward said.
“We asked players to write their expression of interest at the beginning of the year and then my coaching team set down and narrowed down the squad. We also travelled all around Fiji to test players so that we got the besttalented players into the squad and no one valuable was missed.”
The squad consists of players participating in the development and senior level of the Skipper Cup.
“These players have progressed well and are ready to take on New
“We have also included five overseas-based players from France, Australia and New Zealand.”
Rawaqa said they were looking forward to playing in the Oceania Championship because this would give an opportunity to the team to monitor their standard against world-class opponents.
“I think the important thing for us is to play against the top-level opponents and set a standard so that the players understand the level required to match when facing any overseas teams. This will assist these players when they graduate to the national level in the future,” said
Rawaqa.
The Oceania Championship kicks off on July 1 at the Sun Shine Coast in Australia.
The team flies out on Monday.
Semi Qica, Vilikesa Nairau, Ponipate Naliva, Luke Tudulu, Patemo Nuku, Benji Baseilala, Kavaia Tagivetaua, Saula Qiolevu, Jeniro Wakeham, Emosi Natubailagi, Petero Mailulu, Freddy Ralulu, Naibuka Naimasi, Isoa Tuwai, Motikiai Murray, Waisea Tudulu, Johnathan Sovasova, Phillip Baselala, Tremain Little, Sikeli Rabitu, Ropate Rinakama, Aisea Tuisese, Malakai Nawai, Semiji Kaisau, Filimoni Nalawa, Jacob Usa, Jope Naserara, Kevueli Sauvakacolo, Tevita Boseiwaqa.