Fiji Airways Flying Fijians head coach John McKee urged all players participating in the Vodafone Super Deans Under-18 final today to prove themselves.

And make the cut for the U18 national team for the New Zealand tour next month where they will be playing the New Zealand Maori, NZ Barbarians, Australian Schoolboys and NZ Schoolboys in Rotorua and Hamilton.

Fiji Rugby Union development officers led by High Performance Unit elite player pathway manager Viliame Gadolo will be at Lawaqa Park, Sigatoka to select a squad.

“It’s such an important part of rugby. It is really important for the young players playing in the U18 final to play well because they will be selecting a U18 national team for the NZ tour.

“It is an important pathway for these boys.

“Gadolo and his team will be looking at players to join the FRU academy.”

He said most of the players in the Flying Fijians squad went through the school system.

“Deans competition is a important part of Fiji Rugby. Most of the players playing for Flying Fijians came through school boys system and many of them have played in the Deans final.”

McKee expects a close encounter between Ratu Kadavulevu School and Queen Victoria School, this afternoon.

“I expect a close encounter as both teams are prepared and ready to give their best.”

RKSOB’S SUPPORT

Ratu Kadavulevu School former students in the Fiji Airways Flying Fijians squad showed their support for the Lodoni school.

Speaking on behalf of the team, prop Joeli Veitayaki encouraged his young brothers to be firm in defending the silverware.

“On behalf of the old boys in the Flying Fijians squad, we want to wish the RKS U18 side the very best in their final against QVS.

“Try your best, dei tiko (be firm) on your mission,” Veitayaki said.

“ Mai Lodoni Mai.”

The U18 final kicks-off at 4:20pm.

Edited by Osea Bola

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