IRB awards caps to U20

Fiji Times - Sunday, May 18, 2008 1:46 PM

THE Fiji Rugby Union has managed to secure all its future gems who will now not be able to play for any other nation.

This was after the 22 Fiji under-20 players who featured for Fiji A in the 25-10 win last night against Tonga A were capped under the International Rugby Board regulations.

The U20 side is preparing for the Junior World Cup to be played in Wales next month.

IRB Head of Member Services David Carrigy gave the green light to the match being capped.

Under the IRB ruling, any player who is capped cannot change his country of allegiance in the future.

This includes the likes of Australia-based fly,half Alex Rokabaro along with number eight, Samu Vunisa and halfback Vuga Tagicakibau who are based in New Zealand.

The decision to cap players was taken after all the members of the Fijian U20 side were consulted by the coaching staff.

U20 mentor Rayne Simpson said it was excellent news not only for Fiji but the players as well.

"We have had too many players in the past who have been snatched away from the islands at a young age," Simpson said.

"This will see us having the status quo of our players for the future and at the same time knowing that we have a system in place."

With the aim of having as many players as possible playing overseas, European clubs are known for talent hunting at championships such as the JWC.

However, to be able to secure a lucrative contract with a top Northern Hemisphere club, a player needs to have been capped.

"This will see our players being able to get the best deal and that is what we want," Simpson said.

Last night the Fiji's tries came from John Stewart (2) along with Tagicakibau.

Fiji was awarded a penalty try which was converted by Rokabaro. It was 10-all at the break.

This was the first international match for the players since the side went into camp earlier this year. Simpson said he will be using the build-up matches to gauge what areas need an improvement before the JWC starts.

The Fiji U20s will travel to Sydney to play Australia on May 25 before they take on North Surburb Colts on May 28.

The JWC will be held from June 6-22 and Fiji is in Pool C with Australia, England and Canada.