Tane Susau, the captain of Suva Grammar School’s Under-18 rugby team, is preparing to make his mark on the regional stage with his national debut for the Fiji Schoolboys Under-18 team in their forthcoming tour of Australia. The talented 17-year-old athlete has been a standout player since his early days at Gospel Primary School and has honed his skills through participation in the Eastern Saints Rugby Club’s kids program, led by former Flying Fijians star Seremaia Bai.
Susau’s rugby journey is defined by perseverance and growth, beginning with trials for Suva Grammar’s Under-14 team and advancing to the senior grades under the guidance of coach Epeli Osborne. His leadership skills were highlighted earlier this year as he captained the Suva Grammar Under-18 team to the semi-finals of the Vodafone Deans Trophy and led the Drua Development team to victory over Australia’s Melbourne Brothers Club.
With roots in Oinafa, Rotuma, Susau credits his success to the unwavering support of his family and the mentorship of his coaches, which have been instrumental in his development both on and off the field. As one of the youngest members in the national camp, he is eager to train alongside some of Fiji’s top schoolboy rugby talents.
The Fiji Schoolboys Under-18 team is gearing up for challenging matches against the Australian Schoolboys, kicking off next Monday and followed by another clash on the 4th of the following month. These matches hold special significance as the team aims to replicate their previous year’s consecutive wins against their Australian counterparts.
The foundational work laid through intense preparation and strategic team integration could be key factors in the Fijian team’s performance. The cohesion among players from varied schools, supported by a robust technical setup, highlights the promising future of Fijian rugby, nurturing the next generation of athletes prepared to make substantial impacts on the international stage. These encounters offer both a significant opportunity for these young players to gain international exposure and an avenue to validate Fiji’s continuous strides in nurturing rugby talent. As the matches approach, there is optimism that their dedication and team spirit will shine, ensuring they carry forward Fiji’s proud rugby tradition on the international stage.