Rayne Simpson, Fiji U20’s Head Coach, has selected a squad of 33 players who will begin to prepare in earnest for the championships this coming June. Players like Henry Speight and cousins Vuga and Seremaia Tagicakibau are three of the surviving members of last season’s Fiji U19 squad that accounts for two-thirds of this season’s U20 contingent. Fiji U19, who were participating in Division A for the first time in last season’s IRB U19 World Championship having won promotion from Division B the previous year, finished eleventh overall.
Eight players are based overseas amongst squad that will be put through a programme by Simpson consisting of three training camps in April and a warm-up match against Tonga U20, who as Tonga U19, finished fifth in Division B last season.
“We had a group of talented players and it was tough to cut down the squad to 33,” admitted Simpson. “I believe these players have really proven themselves to date and will be ready to give their all for their country in Wales. This is the squad we will be working with. Out of these 33 we will select 26 for the tournament.”
Meanwhile, Canada U20’s preparations have also reached a critical stage as the final trial match looms large for the final cut of the travelling squad. The match which will take place at Shawnigan Lake, British Columbia on 22nd March 2008 with forty-four players hoping to stake their claim for selection. The starting line-ups will comprise of the top thirty players, with the expectation that they will play at least the first half of the match before the coaches introduce other players they want to see in action.
Canada U20 have already recorded two victories this season; over the USA, beating USA U19 56-0 and then edging the USA U20 19-14 to retain the Freedom Cup in Florida last month.
“As far as the total preparation goes it’s been fantastic the amount of resources and the preparation time has been far greater than we have had in the past with the age grade programmes,” admitted Canada U20 Head Coach Tim Murdy. “It has certainly been a positive step for sure.”
| Backs | Represented Fiji U19 at IRB U19 2007 | |
| Peni Rokodiva | Yes | |
| Vuga Tagicakibau | Yes | |
| Alexander Rokobaro | – | |
| Anare Vakawaletabua | – | |
| Kasami Natubavivi | Yes | |
| John Stewart | – | |
| Eroni Tara | – | |
| Isikeli Vuruna | Yes | |
| Kolinio Vinaki | – | |
| Venaia Navutovuto | – | |
| Seremaia Tagicakibau | Yes | |
| Henry Speight | Yes | |
| Williams Umu | Yes | |
| Pate Buto | – | |
| Kini Murimurivalu | Yes | |
| William Saukuru | Yes | |
| Sakiusa Malai | – | |
| Forwards | ||
| Saula Qalomai | Yes | |
| Seru Tabaiwalu Cakobau | – | |
| Penijamini Makutu | – | |
| Serupepeli Qaranivalu | Yes | |
| Jeke Lalai | Yes | |
| Manasa Saulo | – | |
| Alexander Mar | – | |
| Tevita Tuiloa | Yes | |
| Unaloto Ofa | – | |
| Temo Vakaloloma Cama | Yes | |
| Waqabaca Kotobalavu | Yes | |
| Joseva Levula | – | |
| Jese Cirikisuva | Yes | |
| Uraia Vecenadavui | Yes | |
| Samu Vunisa | Yes | |
| Sireli Kaloucava | Yes |
