The Fiji national under-20 rugby team, nicknamed the Baby Flying Fijians, is the national under-20 representative rugby union team of Fiji.
History Under 20 age grade rugby came into existence, as a result of the IRB combining the Under 19 Rugby World Championship and Under 21 Rugby World Championship into a single IRB Junior World Championship tournament.IRB announces restructure of age grade tournaments
Since 2014, the Fiji under-20 team has been invited to compete at the Australian Youth Rugby Championships, and periodically into the Oceania Rugby U20 Championship, being a participant in 2018, 2019, and 2022.
Junior World Championship / Trophy Overview 2008 World Championship: 14th 2009 World Championship: 12th 2010 World Championship: 8th 2011 World Championship: 6th 2012 World Championship: 11th 2013 World Championship: 11th 2014 World Championship: 12th 2015 World Trophy: 6th 2016 World Trophy: 3rd 2017 World Trophy: 6th 2018 World Trophy: 1st 2019 World Championship: 11th 2023 World Championship: 10th
2008 In June 2008 Wales hosted the 2008 IRB Junior World Championship. Fiji lost all of its pool matches, going down to England 41-17 then losing to Australia by 53-17 before going down in a close match against Canada by 10–17. In the 13th-16th Places Playoffs, Fiji beat USA before going down to Tonga and finishing 14th overall out of 16.
2009 In June 2009, Japan hosted the 2009 IRB Junior World Championship. Fiji lost its first two matches against South Africa (36-10) and France (48-25) before defeating Italy by 20–14 with tries to Ledua and Matawalu. Fiji lost out to Scotland in the semifinal playoffs and then losing to Argentina in the 11th place play off and finished overall at 12th position and due to its 12th finish, qualified for the next championship in 2010 which was reduced to 12 teams.
2010 In June 2010, Argentina hosted the 2010 IRB Junior World Championship. Fiji played its first game against 2 times winners New Zealand going down 44–11 with tries to Christopher Nasiganyavi and 2 penalties to Josh Matavesi. They were thumped 31-13 by Wales but accounted for Samoa beating them 15–12. In the 5th place play-off, Fiji were beaten 44-9 by France before losing to Wales again in the 7th place play off by 39-15 and finishing 8th overall.
2011 In June 2011, Italy hosted the 2011 IRB Junior World Championship. Fiji played its first game against France losing 24-12 before getting thrashed 50-25 by Australia. Fiji then went on to beat Tonga 36–18. In the 5th-8th place play-off, Fiji thrashed Wales by 34-20 before getting thrashed by South Africa by 104-17 who scored 14 tries to 2. Even after the loss, Fiji finished at its best ever position of 6th.
Squads 2015 Squad to the 2015 World Rugby Under 20 Trophy: Pateresio Beramaisuva Timoci Bulitavu Jone Jordan Cama Kaveni Dabenaise Waisea Vasuitoga Daroko Filipo Daugunu Rupeni Laganikoro Ratu Josefa Logavatu Eroni Mawi Serupepeli Momo Seveci Nakailagi Peniami Narisia Leone Nawai Ilisavani Nasemira Mateo Qolisese Josaia Raboiliku Tevita Ratuva Viliame Ravouvou Jone Seuvou Asaeli Sorovaki Lekima Tagitagivalu Sela Toga Vatiliai Tuidraki Manuele Tuiqali Seremaia Turagabeci Filimoni Savou
Team Management Coach – Viliame Gadolo Assistant coach – Kele Leawere Technical Trainer – Mosese Rauluni Strength & Conditioning Coach - Mathew Dooley Team Doctor – Dr Josefa Dakuinamako Physio – Talisa Whippy Manager – Jone Nute
2014 Fiji Under 20s squad - 2014 IRB Junior World ChampionshipForwards Veniona Toga Aseri Robarobalevu Jack Driu Apolosi Ranawai Simione Naiduki Maikeli Sivo Glen Osbourne Ilisoni Lagi Poasa Waqanibau Lote Nasiga Paula Bukavere Marika Tokalauvere Antonio Qio Aminiasi Naituiyaga Vasikali Mudu Vincent Sosefo
Backs Leone Dawai Marika Tivitivi Tubuka Vueti Elia Murasia Josese Kurokava Maika Baleinaloto Akuila Tabualevu Semi Camaisala Adrea Cocagi Orisi Nawaqaliva Aisake Rokobulimaira Livinai Tuicakau
Non Travelling Reserves Samu Tawake Venieli Ratuva Jale Uva Dion Fraser
Management Salimoni Ravouvou - Head Coach Paula Biutanaseva - Team Manager Iliesa Samusamuvodre - Assistant Coach Jennifer Kula - Physiotherapist Alipate Navunisaravi - Team Doctor Tikiko Namaua - Trainer
Notable former coaches Iliesa Tanivula (2010) Inoke Male (2011)
Notable former players Nikola Matawalu (2009) Metuisela Talebula (2009) Noa Nakaitaci (2008) Maritino Nemani (2010) Josh Matavesi (2010) Tevita Kuridrani (2010) Semi Radradra (2011) Samu Kerevi (2012) Ben Volavola (2012)
See also Fiji Warriors Fiji national rugby union team
References