Oceania Rugby: The stage is set for an exhilarating final showdown this Saturday 7 June, at Prince Charles Park, Nadi, as the third and final round of the Oceania Rugby U20s Challenge 2025 kicks off in Nadi. Following two rounds of hard-fought and high-intensity rugby, the tournament now builds to its climax with all four teams eager to finish strong.
Currently leading the standings is the Sports World Fijian U20s, and then the Canada Rugby U20s followed closely by the Junior Manu Samoa and Junior ʻIkale Tahi in third and fourth place respectively.
Round Two delivered an impressive display of Pacific rugby, beginning with Fiji's commanding 56-24 victory over Canada. The hosts capitalized on their pace, power, and tactical execution, scoring multiple tries and overpowering the Canadians in a physically demanding contest.
Canada Captain Daragh Doyle said: “We weren’t awake in the first half, we showed what were capable of in the second half but it was too late and Fiji was a step above us today. We will look to rebuild for next week. They were more physical and if you’re not physical in rugby, you cannot do anything and it’s just on us.”
Fiji Captain Moses Armstrong-Ravula said: “The first half was pretty fast, we really nailed our job and now we go back to the drawing board on how we can keep the intensity for the second half - that will be our main focus for next week. We know the Samoans will be physical, we’ve seen them, they’re a quality side, they’ve got a lot of fire and hopefully we’re ready and I think after a week of rest, we should be ready for Saturday.”
The second match between Samoa and Tonga proved to be a thrilling encounter that kept fans on the edge of their seats. The two sides traded tries and conversions in a tightly contested battle that remained undecided until the dying minutes, with Samoa narrowly edging out their Pacific rivals in a gripping finish.
Tonga captain Fatani Lino said: “It was a really good game, rough game as both teams are good, and I would like to thank Samoa for coming out and giving us a good game. We improved from the last game, we made little mistakes but we came out strong.
Samoa captain Josh Fuimaono said: “Tonga came out with the physicality and brought all that pressure in the last few minutes. We are really happy with the way our boys played. The next game against Fiji will be very difficult as they will be playing at home and so we will need to come prepared to give our best this Saturday."
Saturday’s final round promises more excitement, with Canada taking on Tonga in the opening fixture, followed by a much-anticipated clash between hosts Fiji and Samoa.
Oceania Rugby Women’s XV Championship
Meanwhile, attention will also turn to the Oceania Rugby Women’s XV Championship, with Round One opening match clash between Fiji and Tonga today Friday 6 June at Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka. The Vodafone Fijiana XVs side crushed Lofa XVs 59-5.
Fiji held a comfortable 30-0 lead at halftime.
Tonga was able to score an unconverted try in the second half, but it was not enough as Fiji scored a further 29 points through 5 tries and 2 conversions to give them the resounding win.
Team Lists can be found here.
The women’s competition continues to showcase the depth and growth of rugby talent across the region.
All matches are broadcast live in Fiji on FBC TV for the Oceania Rugby U20s Challenge, across the Pacific via Free-to-Air partners, and globally through RugbyPass TV, offering fans worldwide the opportunity to follow the action.
