Tane Susau, the captain of Suva Grammar School’s Under-18 rugby team, is set to make a significant impact on the regional scene as he gears up for his national debut with the Fiji Schoolboys Under-18 team on their upcoming tour of Australia. At just 17 years old, Susau has made a notable mark in the rugby world, beginning his journey at Gospel Primary School and further refining his skills through the Eastern Saints Rugby Club’s kids program, under the tutelage of former Flying Fijians star Seremaia Bai.
Susau’s rugby career is a testament to his dedication and progression, starting from trials with the Suva Grammar Under-14 team and advancing to senior levels under the watchful eye of coach Epeli Osborne. This year, his leadership skills were clearly evident as he captained the Suva Grammar Under-18 team to the semi-finals of the prestigious Vodafone Deans Trophy and led the Drua Development team to triumph against Australia’s Melbourne Brothers Club.
Originating from Oinafa, Rotuma, Susau acknowledges the unwavering support of his family and mentors as pivotal to his success, both on and off the field. As one of the younger players in the national camp, he is keen to train alongside some of Fiji’s best schoolboy rugby talents.
The Fiji Schoolboys Under-18 team is looking forward to challenging matches against the Australian Schoolboys, with the first match kicking off next Monday followed by another on the 4th of the following month. These encounters are particularly significant as the team seeks to emulate their back-to-back victories from the previous year against the Australians.
The team’s prospects are bolstered by the robust preparation and strategic team dynamics ingrained during training. The synergy among players hailing from diverse schools, facilitated by a strong technical framework, underscores the promising future of Fijian rugby, as it continues to cultivate a new wave of athletes ready to make a mark on the international stage. These matches not only provide the young players with crucial international exposure but also serve as a testament to Fiji’s ongoing commitment to nurturing rugby excellence. As the matches approach, there is a hopeful anticipation that their teamwork and dedication will stand out, helping maintain Fiji’s esteemed rugby reputation internationally.