Playing for his home country holds a special significance for Adam Khan, a member of the SportsWorld Fiji Under 20 team gearing up for the Oceania U20 Rugby Championship.
Hailing from Savusavu, the 20-year-old grew up in Buca Bay, Cakaudrove before relocating to Queensland with his family at a very young age.
Initially rooted in rugby league, Khan transitioned to rugby union last year, having started his sporting journey at Mareeba State High School in Queensland during Year 7.
As the team’s halfback, Khan emphasises the strong bond that exists within the squad, particularly highlighting the synergy between the 11 overseas-based players and their local counterparts.
Returning to Fiji for the championship, Khan expresses deep gratitude for the opportunity to represent his homeland.
“I feel very grateful representing my home country, happy to be back, i have seen couple of local boys and couple of new boys just getting to know each other, and to play with each other and gelling in together, im very grateful,” said Khan.
He adds that the team is bonding well, especially with 11 overseas-based players who are in camp, and they are gelling well with the local players.
“Our team bonding has been great there is a lot of overseas players, there is about 11 of us, and the local boys are really welcoming for us, and treating us very nicely.”
Having featured in the Super Rugby Pacific U20s competition earlier in the year, Khan reflects on the enlightening experience.
“It was tough you know the New Zealand boys are really tough, and we learned a lot during the competition, which gives us more skills to learn and really grateful to play in it.”
Turning their focus towards defending their Oceania Rugby Championship U20s title, Khan and his Fiji U20 teammates are prepared to take on upcoming challenges.
The Fiji U20 will take on Tonga next Wednesday in their first match at King Charles Park in Nadi.
