FIJI U20 hooker Isaac Rauluni is set for a high-stakes showdown against former teammates when the Junior World Cup kicks off in Georgia next month.
Rauluni says the team has taken valuable lessons from their recent South Africa tour, which exposed them to one of world rugby’s most physical and disciplined sides.
“Yeah, it’s been good. We had that South Africa tour the other week, which was a huge thing for us. Just to see where we are at, and we got a lot of learning from that,” he said.
“You know, we played the Springboks, the best in the world. We got one win and two losses but a lot of learning. Training has been good, and we’re getting a lot of clarity. We’ll be ready when we come back.”
He said the experience highlighted areas Fiji must improve, particularly against physical teams in the midfield.
“They’re different. South African boys love their rugby. We’re known for speed and playing wide, but I think they got us through the middle,” he said.
Rauluni’s rugby journey has taken him from Queensland junior rugby through St. Joseph’s Nudgee College and Queensland Reds pathways before representing Australia’s U18s and later linking up with Fiji’s age-grade program this year.
“I grew up in Yeppoon, played Crocs Juniors, then moved to Brisbane. I played for the Queensland Reds football team and Australia’s U18s. Then I got asked to come over here, and it was an easy yes,” he said.
Now in Fiji colours, he says representing the nation is a major opportunity while also acknowledging the emotional challenge of facing familiar opposition.
Looking ahead to the tournament, Rauluni highlighted the pool clash against Australia as a key fixture.
“For me, I just want to beat Australia; that’s the goal. I know a lot of them personally, so that’s a big game for me,” he said.
The 2026 World Rugby U20 Championship will be held in Tbilisi and Kutaisi, Georgia, from June 27 to July 18.
Despite the growing expectations, Rauluni says the squad remains calm and focused.
“The boys are calm; they know their jobs. There’s pressure, but we’ve got it under control,” he said.
