Fiji under 20 leave for New Zealand

After saying goodbye to loved ones at the Nadi International Airport, the Fiji Under 20 rugby squad departed for New Zealand this morning to compete in the Oceania Rugby Under 20s Challenge in Auckland.Fiji will compete in the event against their Pacific neighbours Tonga, Samoa, and the invited team Moana Pasifika, which gets underway tomorrow morning.

With players from the Deans Competition from the previous year, Provincial Under-20 Rugby Teams, and players like Baselala from the Fijian Drua, Fiji has a strong team to compete against some of the best in the area.

Elite Pathways & Performance Manager Bill Gadolo provided the following information in an interview with Oceania Rugby News: The Fijian pathway concentrates on preparing our age-grade talent for the modern game, including travel exposure, adaptability, and quick turnaround events. We applaud Moana Pasifika and Oceania Rugby for initiating contact with Fiji, Tonga, Samoa, and Moana Pasifika.

Fiji started preparing in December of last year, and in early January of 2024, the team was chosen for the Oceania U20 Challenge and the U20s Aotearoa Super Competition. These events served as a springboard for the Junior World Cup, which will take place in South Africa from June 29 to July 19.

“Many players of Fijian decent worldwide have been attracted by the inclusion of the Fijian Drua and Fiji’s Under 20’s spot in the World Rugby U20’s Championship,” continues Gadolo.

Oceania Rugby Challenge match times in Fiji:

Tonga vs. Fiji on March 27 @ 7:30 p.m. (NZ Time)

Moana Pasifika vs. Fiji – March 2 @ 3 PM (NZ Time)

Samoa vs. Fiji on March 6 @ 7:30 p.m. (NZ Time)

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