Among the towering frames of the Fiji School Boys team preparing for their highly anticipated clash against the Australian School Boys in Canberra, one name stands out, 17-year-old Tane Susau.
Hailing from Oinafa, Rotuma, Susau is one of the youngest players in the squad but has already made a name for himself as a leader and rising star of Fijian rugby.
A student of Suva Grammar School, he captained both the Grammar under-18 side and the Fijian Drua Development team earlier this year, steering the latter to a 40-17 victory over Australia’s Melbourne Brothers Club in April.
Speaking to Fiji Rugby, Susau reflected on his rugby beginnings.
“My rugby journey really started when I joined Suva Grammar School and trialed for the Under-14 grade and I never looked back,” Susau said.
He credited his early development to the Eastern Saints Rugby Club kids program run by Seremaia Bai and acknowledged the role of his coach.
“Mr Epeli Osborne was my first coach from under-14 through to my senior grade and he really helped me face my challenges,” he said. “He encouraged me to work hard through gym work to be consistent throughout my rugby training.”
Proud to represent Fiji at such a young age, Susau said, “It’s humbling to learn from them on tour.”
Head coach Penioni Ranitu added, “The team I prepared this year has had more time together as a team and I am confident of a good match ahead.”
Fiji will take on Australia at Viking Park, Canberra, on Monday at 2.05pm.
