Osborne Confident as Fiji U20 Intensifies World Championship Preparations

The SportsWorld Fijian Under-20 side is entering the final stages of preparation for the World Rugby Junior World Championship in Georgia, with Head Coach Andrew Tui Osborne expressing confidence in the squad’s progress following a productive training session at Albert Park in Suva.

 

The team returned from a challenging yet rewarding 2026 U20 International Series in Cape Town, South Africa, where they faced tough opposition.

 

 Fiji narrowly lost to Georgia, fell to hosts South Africa, but finished the campaign on a positive note with a victory over Chile.

 

Reflecting on the tour, Coach Osborne described the series as an important learning experience that provided valuable insights ahead of the global tournament.

 

“It was a good campaign,” he said.

 

 “We had a close one against Georgia, and although the South Africa game didn’t go our way, we took a lot of positives from the second half performance. Finishing the tour with a win against Chile was important because it helped build confidence within the group.”

 

Coach Osborne said the focus has now shifted to finalising the squad and ensuring every player is prepared to fulfil their role when the tournament begins later this month.

 

“We’ve been in camp since Tuesday and the goal this week is to see who can step up and do the job. We’re looking for players who understand the systems we’re trying to implement and who can play the way we want to play as a team,” Coach Osborne said.

 

A major boost to the squad has been the inclusion of several France-based players, who have joined camp ahead of the championship.

 

Coach Osborne described their arrival as an added depth and experience to the team, while also strengthening the connection between Fiji’s traditional style of play and the structured approach developed through European rugby academies.

For the overseas-based players, representing Fiji on the world stage is a privilege and an opportunity to honour their heritage.

Coach Osborne said bringing together players from different parts of the world remains a key focus of the preparations. 

 

“The boys are happy in camp and we’re making sure we stay together and stay tight as a group. We have another camp in Nadi next week before departing for Georgia. It’s about getting everyone on the same page and keeping things positive as we move forward.”

 

Fiji will open its Junior World Championship campaign against France on June 27, with the team determined to make its mark against the world’s best young rugby talent.