NSW Waratahs U20s v NSW Pasifica battle could unearth new rugby talent, Zach Fittler playing

It’s prep for a new rugby series for teen talent but the Waratahs v Pasifica U20s battle on Saturday featuring the likes of Zach Fittler could also unearth new ‘rough diamonds’ said a top coach

Amanda Lulham

@amandalulham

2 min read

January 23, 2025 - 4:13PM

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Zach Fittler has been named in the Waratahs U20 team.

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It’s prep for a new rugby series for teenage talent but the Waratahs v Pasifica U20s battle on Saturday could also unearth ‘‘rough diamonds’’ for the game said top coach Shannon Fraser.

Fraser, who coached the Australian U18 side to victory in New Zealand last year, said there could be a number of young guns who play their way into the sights of NSW and Australian selectors and scouts at the game on Saturday.

Fraser is coaching a Waratahs under 20 side at Eric Tweedale boasting the likes of Zach Fittler and brothers Jonty and Joey Fowler on a day where the Waratahs and Waratahs women will also take on Pasifica teams prior to the start of major competitions.

“It's a great opportunity to tap into and expose some Pasifica players in the U20 space and it works in well for the Academy squad players at the Waratahs,’’ Fraser said.

“It’s an opportunity for the 20s to show their wares, another exposure point.

“Hopefully there will be a couple of diamonds in the rough. We know there is talent in the community and western Sydney and it’s a great opportunity to look at it.

“There’ll be some big boys. There’ll also be some fast boys and some hot steppers. So, it will be good challenge.”

Hwi Sharples. Picture: Richard Dobson

BUSY: Waratahs young gun on double duty.

Fraser said the Waratahs U20s have been training for some months with the match against Pasifica a great way to gauge progress.

“They’ve been training hard since November and this is a great opportunity to see how they are developing and progressing with their eye on Shute Shield clubs, the Australian under 20s and playing in an under 20s series coming up,’’

The series will be played in March between the Waratahs U20s, Reds, Brumbies and Force.

Zach Fittler played for Australia U18s last year.

Luca Cleverley playing for the Australia U18s.

The Saturday battle and new series will highlight some of the most talented teenagers in the sport included Jonty Fowler, Hwi Sharples, who played Australian U20s this year, Fittler, Luca Cleverley and Toby Brial.

“Joey and Hwi are both from Sydney Uni and in the Australian U20s so a combination to look at,’’ Fraser said.

Fittler will start in the backline alongside the U20s halves Sharples and Fowler.

The NSW Waratahs Under 20s team to play NSW Pacifica Under 20s

1. Loosehead Prop Nathanial Tiitii

2. Hooker Charlie O’Kane

3. Tighthead Prop Edwin Langi

4. Left Lock Eamon Doyle (C)

5. Right Lock Jacob Veiru

6. Left Flanker Luca Cleverley

7. Right Flanker Austin Durbidge

8. Number Eight Toby Brial

9. Scrumhalf Hwi Sharples