Fijian Warriors eye to regain lost glory

Fijian Warriors will be looking forward to regaining lost glory when they take on Junior Japan, Manuma Samoa and Tonga A in the World Rugby Pacific Challenge next month.

Head Coach Senirusi Seruvakula said the team has been putting in all the hard yards in training to ensure they are fit to tackle any team on the day.

Seruvakula said “This is our third week in camp and it’s been going on smoothly. I’m trying to familiarize myself with the players because a lot of these players are coming from the High-Performance Unit and the core of the players from the Under-20 program.”

He further added “They have been gelling in well and we are trying to teach them our system. I’m happy with the attitude and the discipline they are bringing into the team.”

Seruvakula said World Rugby Pacific Challenge plays a vital role in capping the players for the national teams.

 “It’s a very important tournament for the Fijian Warriors. As you know this is a tournament where we can cap players so that they are secured for our elite national teams.

This is the pathway for them going to the Fijian Drua and then into the setup for the Flying Fijians. If they do well, they might be knocking on the doors for Flying Fijians to the Rugby World Cup and some to the Fijian Drua for next season” he said.

He highlighted that they are expecting a heavy battle against defending champions Junior Japan.

Seruvakula said “They are quick and strong plus play the physical game. It’s a good advantage for us that our number one game is going to be Japan. It will be one of the toughest games and we need to be on our toes and beat the defending champions.”

Former Flying Fijians Enele Malele will captain the Fijian Warriors.

The Lau native is ready to take the responsibility and believes it’s an opportunity for these young players to shine if they are to represent the Flying Fijians in the near future.

“For the past few weeks, it’s been tough for these boys as the coaches have been working on our fitness. This is our Flying Fijians future if they do well in this tournament.

“I’m happy to be back playing with these young players and I’m looking forward to leading them next month,” said Malele.

The Fijian Warriors take on Junior Japan on Wednesday the 3^rd of May. They then face Manuma Samoa on the 8^th of May and five days later meets Tonga A in its final match in Apia, Samoa.