5 Jun 2013

Sport: Fiji U20s determined to compete at Junior World Rugby Champs

11:04 am on 5 June 2013

The Fiji Under 20 rugby team begin their Junior World Championship campaign with a daunting first up clash against New Zealand on Thursday.

The Pacific side has five players returning from last year's team and, despite being in the so-called 'pool of death', head coach Bill Gadolo says they're not there just to make up the numbers.

"We want to improve our ranking and we want to be there as a team that competes, and not just a team that participates. That's the challenge that the boys are aware of and have been reminded of for the last couple of weeks, that it is important that we go there and compete in every aspect of the game."

Fiji will also face Ireland and Australia in pool play, while Samoa begin their tournament against Wales.