Fijian Under-20 squad named for World Rugby Championship

Fiji Under-20 Head Coach Ifereimi Rawaqa has named an exciting 30-member squad for the World Rugby Championship to be held in South Africa later this month.
 
Rawaqa said it has not been an easy selection for him and the coaches. “We would like to thank all the players who have been with us from the beginning of this campaign and provided stiff competition to those who have been selected to represent the nation in the World Rugby Under-20 Championship.”
 
The squad consists mostly of High-Performance players who have been in the system and played for the Fijian Drua-20s.
 
Eight overseas-based players have also made their cut into the traveling squad. Crusaders Under-20 Loosehead Prop, Mosese McGoon and Perth’s Sitiveni Tamani will guide the front row, Judah Saumaisue of Melbourne is in the locks, Waisea Tudulu has been named on the flanks,
 
In the backs, Hamilton-based Sakiusa Kama is one of the halfbacks, and Hurricanes duo, Isaiah Ravula and Epeli Waqaicece and Frank Ralogaivau will feature in the midfield.
 
The inclusion of halfback Philip Baselala and flanker Motikiai Murray who are currently part of the Fijian Drua extended squad for the Super Rugby Pacific are expected to play a vital role in the championship.
 
Motikai Murray has been named the captain of the side.
 
Coach Rawaqa said “The team has prepared really well and are looking forward to the Championship. We have had players who were also part of the Fijian Warriors and their experience has really boosted the side”
 
The Fijian Under-20 side is grouped with Australia, England, and Ireland.
 
“We have a very tough pool with tier-one nations in it. We need to be very careful in the way we approach our opponents. We are focusing on our first game which is against Australia” said Rawaqa.
 
 
 Fijian Under-20 Squad to World Rugby Championship
 
Loosehead Prop
Mosese McGoon               Crusaders U20
Sitiveni Tamani                 Perth
Breyton Legge                    HPU
 
Hookers
Kavaia Tagivetaua            HPU
Josh Kina                          HPU
Joeli Nainoca                    HPU
 
Tighthead Props
Marika Toga                      Nadi U19
Emosi Natubailagi              HPU
Lasaro Vuluma                  HPU
 
Locks
Mesake Vocevoce             HPU
Nalani May                       HPU
Semi Tokitani                    HPU
Judah Saumaisue             Melbourne
 
Flankers
Waisea Tudulu                  Canberra
Sakenasa Senivono          HPU
Timoci Nakalevu               HPU
Motikiai Murray                  Fijian Drua
 
Halfbacks
Philip Baselala                  Fijian Drua
Sakiusa Kama                   Hamilton
Netava Saukuru                Fiji School Boys
 
 
Centers
Isaiah Ravula                    Hurricanes U20
Epeli Waqaicece               Hurricanes U20
Frank Ralogaivau              Brisbane
Tuitubou Maika                 HPU
 
Wings
Sireli Misiwini          HPU
Bronson Lee                     HPU
Pateresio Finau                 HPU
Manieta Vonovono            HPU
 
 
Fullbacks
Tupeni Waqalala               Nadi U19
Basiyalo Sikeli                   HPU
 
 
Fixtures:
 
Sunday 25th June, 2023   2.30am
Fijian Under-20 VS Australia
 
Friday 30th June, 2023     5am
Fijian Under-20 VS England
 
Tuesday 4th July, 2023     11.30am
Fijian Under-20 VS Ireland