Fiji, Baby Blacks finish on a high note as South Africa retain Junior Rugby World Cup title

Fiji ended the World Rugby Under-20 Championship on a winning note, beating hosts Georgia 30-10 to finish 11th and build momentum for the future.

The victory capped back-to-back wins for the young Fijians after they bounced back from a difficult start to the tournament, held in the Georgian cities of Tbilisi and Kutaisi.

New Zealand also finished strongly by defeating England to secure third place.

The tournament ended early on Sunday (NZT) with South Africa crowned back-to-back world champions after edging France in a hard-fought final.

Fiji's win carried extra significance, team officials said, after losses to Georgia in their previous two meetings at the Junior World Championship in 2019 and 2024.

Andrew Tui Osborne's side made a flying start. A superb long pass from scrum-half Isikeli Bari Ratu sent Sevuloni Rakoto Sauleirogo Satala over for the opening try before Marika Koroi crossed from close range.

Fiji and Georgia Under-20 sides played for 11th place at the World Rugby U20 Championship. The Fijians won 30-10 over the tournament hosts. Photo/World Rugby/Giorgi Arjevanidze

Captain Isoa Koroinawai then extended Fiji's lead after collecting Bari Ratu's perfectly weighted grubber kick to give the Pacific nation a commanding 17-0 advantage at half-time.

Georgia fought back after the break but Fiji stayed in control despite having three players shown yellow cards.

Faimalaga Tuvalu, Francis Peters, and Maleli Nauvasi each spent time in the sin bin, yet the hosts could not capitalise.

Late tries from Mikheili Shioshvili and Leonide Saldadze gave the home crowd something to celebrate before Savenaca Durusolo Vagadai crossed for Fiji's fourth and final try to seal a deserved victory.

Earlier, New Zealand defeated England 41-26 in the third-place play-off in Tbilisi.

Second-rower Finn McLeod starred with two second-half tries as the Baby Blacks outscored England seven tries to four.

Jake Frost scored twice while Jake Hutchings, Siale Pahulu, Max Fale and McLeod all crossed in an entertaining contest.

The result continued New Zealand's strong record against England at Under-20 level - six wins from their past seven meetings at the tournament.

New Zealand defeated England 41-26 in the third-place play-off, with second-rower Finn McLeod scoring twice as the Baby Blacks ended their tournament on a high. Photo/World Rugby/Tamuna Kulumbegashvili

The championship concluded with South Africa successfully defending their title after overcoming France in a thrilling final.

The Junor Boks have become back-to-back world champions and closing another memorable tournament.

For Pacific rugby, commentators said Fiji's encouraging finish and New Zealand's podium place provide plenty of positives as another generation of young talent looks to make the step into the professional game.

For more details on the World Rugby Under-20 Championship 2026, click here.