Fijian Drua Under-20 side named for Super Rugby NZ competition

Fijian Drua Under-20 Head Coach Ifereimi Rawaqa has named his 30-member squad for the Super Rugby Under-20 New Zealand competition which kicks off on Sunday.

Rawaqa said they are blessed to be part of this competition which will give the players a wealth of experience for future international meets.

He said “We will be using this competition as our build-up for the Junior World Championship and I believe the players will gain a lot of exposure and experience playing these top teams in the competition.”

Six players who were part of the Fijian-Under 20 squad last year have made the cut into the final 30 while others selected are from the Skipper Cup and Vodafone Vanua Championship.

The six players are Philip Baseilala, Motikai Murray, Erami Baca, Eroni Sarasau, Waisea Tudulu and Kavaia Tagivetaua.

Rawaqa said “The preparation started after the end of the season last year. We did talent identifications from the Skipper Cup and Vodafone Vanua Under-19 Championship. These players have been attending training at their various centers since November last year.”

Rawaqa said “We are the new team in the Super Rugby competition and our first game is against Blues which is our focus right now.

We will take each game as it comes. We know the capabilities of our opponents because they have been in this system for long enough. We are trying our best to lift the conditioning of the players and at the same time upskill them in their various positions.

Motikai Murray has been named the captain of the side.

Rawaqa said “He brings with him a wealth of experience and we are happy that he is here and leading from the front.

The Fijian Drua Under-20 team departs from New Zealand on Saturday.

Fijian Drua Under-20 squad is as follows:

Loose Head Props

Breyton Legge

Sitiveni Tamani

Samuela Soqovata

Hookers

Kavaia Tagivetaua

Joeli Nainoca

Tight Head Prop

Eroni Sarasau

Lasaro Vuluma

Josua Kina

Emosi Natubailagi

Locks

Joeli Niubalavu

Mesake Vocevoce

Setariki Turagacoke

Nailani May

Flankers

Waisea Tudulu

Ibenizer Navula

Number Eight

Motikai Murray {C}

Juda Saumaisue

Timoci Nakalevu

Halfbacks

Philip Baseilala

Napolioni Batimala

Flyhalf

Ponipate Tuberi

Tevita Sovau

Inside Backs

Tavite Kotobalavu

Tomasi Tuitatava

Outside Backs

Tevita Bukaniyava

Manieta Navonovono

Maika Tuitubou

Wings

Erami Baca

Masiwini Sireli

Fullbacks

Sikeli Basiyalo

Pools and Draws are as follows: