Zach Fittler, the son of rugby league icon Brad Fittler, has been selected to represent Australia in the under-20 Rugby Championship in South Africa. This rising talent, now playing as a formidable centre, has transitioned to rugby union after a background in league, where he played for the Roosters in both the Harold Matthews Cup and SG Ball and was part of the NSW Blues junior squad. In September 2024, he signed a two-year development deal with the NSW Waratahs, confirming his shift in focus towards the 15-man game.
Fittler made his mark at The Scots College, contributing significantly to the Waratahs’ under-16 National Championship victory in 2022. As a member of a 31-player squad, he is set to participate in three matches at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha, eastern South Africa. Coach Chris Whitaker expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming matches, highlighting the team’s eagerness to build on the momentum gained during their recent training camp in Coffs Harbour.
The under-20 Rugby Championship offers a valuable platform for these young athletes to further develop their skills while competing against strong international opposition. The Australian team will face New Zealand on April 27, South Africa on May 4, and Argentina on May 9.
Brad Fittler, Zach’s father, had a celebrated career with notable teams such as the Panthers, Roosters, NSW Blues, and the national side, setting high expectations for the next generation.
The selected squad for the under-20 Rugby Championship includes: Ewald Kruger, Tavita Loughland, Cooper Eagle, Eli Langi, Chayse Geros, Riley Whitfeld, Jasper Asi, Jacob Job, Jonah Rangiwai, Charlie Hollyman, Kenneth Harris, Will Ross, Tom Robinson, Finn Mackay, Frankie Goldsbrough, Taione Taka, Edwin Langi, Harper Strachan, Nick Hill, Tyler Maybery, Isaac Fonua, Luca Cleverley, Marshall Le Maitre, Toby Brial, Angus Grover, Sam Blank, Jonty Fowler, Zach Fittler, Cooper Watters, Leo Jaques, and Louis Fenwicke.
This upcoming tour promises to be an exciting chapter in Fittler’s burgeoning career, as he and his teammates prepare to showcase their abilities on an international stage.