The Fiji U18 boys rugby side narrowly defeated Queensland Samoa 7–0, while the girls claimed a 10–5 victory in their final in the Pacific Youth Cup in Sydney.
Team President Isaia Lawaniyasana told fijivillage Sports that Samoa had dominated both U18 divisions for the past two years, so this year’s win has given the young Fijian players a huge confidence boost.
He adds that the team has been using sports as a platform to keep young Fijians away from drugs and negative influences, especially amid concerns about the KVT Gang, which he says has been damaging the reputation of the Fijian community in Australia.
Lawaniyasana, who is originally from Vabea in Kadavu, highlighted the significance of the girls’ victory, noting that it is the first time Fiji has won the U18 girls division, a testament to the hard work and unity within the team.
He also acknowledged the strong support and representation within the NSW Fijian community, which fields players across all age groups from U12 to U18 for both boys and girls.
Lawaniyasana says he hopes this victory will open doors for these young players to secure professional contracts in both rugby league and rugby union in the future.
