Fiji Under 20 rugby coach, Sale Sorovaki yesterday named a strong 28-member squad for the Junior World Cup in South Africa next month.

Just like the Flying Fijians Pacific Nations Cup squad, the Fiji Under 20s JWC rugby team, is made up mostly of local players.

Coach Sale Sorovaki says this proves development at the grassroots is working.

“It’s encouraging for us as coaches on the local scene to see our players step up and a good number of our players are represented in this team.”

Lea Matayavusa, who was part of the team last year will captain the side and assisted by Aca Simolo and French-based centre, Sevanaia Galala.

With the squad named, Sorovaki says it’s now time to polish up on the tactics they’ll use against New Zealand, Samoa and Wales.

“We’ve got a bit of size in the backs. We know we are coming up against the world champs, New Zealand. Samoa will also be confrontational and so too with Wales and with the type of players we have picked we hope to be able to withstand all that confrontation and hope to give something back in the tournament.”

Fiji first takes on Wales then Samoa followed by world junior champs, New Zealand.

Fiji finished in sixth place last year.