President Blesses U20 Reps
The Vodafone Fijian Under–20 rugby team presented their i-tatau (traditional farewell) to President Major-General (Ret’d) Jioji Konrote at Borron House, Suva yesterday.
The President wished the team well on all their games in Romania for the 2018 World Rugby U20 Trophy.
Konrote congratulated the team on their 54-0 win over Tonga in May during the 2018 Oceania Rugby U20 Championship at the Bond University, ground in Gold Coast, Australia.
“The victory over Tonga in May this year qualified you to participate in the world rugby trophy competition,” he said.
“This is the second level for the under- 20 national side and if you win you will be able to progress to the under-20 national championship which is the pinnacle event.”
Konrote thanked the Fiji Rugby Union for creating pathways for the players to progress.
“Our thoughts and prayers go with you.
“Participating in this level of competition will give you the experience that you can use when joining the senior national team or taking up overseas contracts in years to come,” he added.
“The FRU is creating pathways for young players to realise the strength gained during participation in national, region and international competition.”
Fijian U20 head coach Koli Sewabu said this final week of preparation is all about clarity and getting the mental preparations for this world tournament.
“This week as I mentioned in the past few weeks it is about getting our fitness level up and getting our skills set right,” Sewabu said.
“The boys are getting to understand the structure that we are going to play and slowly touch on reviewing some of Uruguay’s game and map out a game plan come next Tuesday.”
Sewabu added that Uruguay have good set pieces, scrums and kicking.
“South American teams are very good in scrums and lineouts.
“For us it’s about making sure that our defence system is ready and everyone understands it.”
Sewabu is calling on the support from friends and families.
The final 26-member squad would be named today.
– Edited by Leone Cabenatabua
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