FORMER Fiji, Suva and Nadroga rugby prop and former Fiji 7s manager, Paula Biu is a man with a vision.
The Oneata, Lau man is the president of the newly formed Nasinu Rugby Football Union and leads a team of dedicated volunteers in the revival of rugby union in the centre of the Suva-Nausori corridor.
After two previous attempts to resurrect the union failed, Nasinu has just completed their second season successfully and now heading to clear waters.
Nasinu district is not only one of the heaviest populated areas, with 16 per cent about 20 years ago and about 20 per cent today, of the total Fijian population.
Former residents of Raiwai and Raiwaqa who had occupied the big housing blocks had been moved to Nasinu areas.
Nasinu suburbs like Kinoya and Nadera had over the years topped the national crime rate.
However, efforts by community leaders including the church, police and organisations such as the Kinoya Old Boys Association, known as KOBA, have managed to help reduce the crime rate. But it has to be an ongoing project as thousands of youths leave school each year and housing projects are mushrooming all over the vast Nasinu area.
Rugby stars such as Waisale Serevi, Ro Alivereti Doviverata and the bulk of provincial and national rugby reps in Suva, Tailevu, Rewa, Naitasiri live in Nasinu.
Nasinu Town Council officers have preached that when Nasinu becomes a city in the near future, it would be Fiji’s biggest because of the immense population.
While different governments have come into power long-time Nasinu residents have begun asking questions since parks and recreation areas have been removed to give way to big industrial buildings, service stations and supermarkets.
In terms of future development and nation building, Nasinu lacks proper sporting facilities like a proper playground, multipurpose court and other amenities to cater for the youths of today and tomorrow.
The quote by King Solomon in his Proverbs when he said that without vision the people perish had never become as fitting at such a time as today for Nasinu residents. Sports and recreation play a crucial part in nation building and if not given proper attention it could be a sitting time bomb and crime would increase.
But a group of men led by Biu are already looking into the future, the revival of rugby union is a major factor towards keeping our youths occupied at the same time giving them opportunities for employment.
Sports such as volleyball and rugby league are doing their part but they cannot all cater for thousands of youths now unemployed and idle.
His experience from working with Nadroga rugby has helped Biu in setting up the union.
Coaching clinics were held and every club coach now holds an IRB level coaching certificate and this will help develop the rugby talents of players to make them marketable in the growing multi-million dollar rugby industry.
Biu said NRFU’s vision was: “To engage Nasinu’s untapped youths and provide them with the opportunities to utilise their God-given talents through rugby, which would have a spin-off effect on, among others, curbing crimes and being responsible citizens.
“NRFU seeks to take the game that people love to their respective communities and I am encouraged by the level of good governance being provided by an extremely competent and multi skilled committee,” Biu added.
Biu said the clubs survived the teething problems expected at a revival stage but they would strive to run in a professional and corporate manner in the future, its success to rely heavily on the countless volunteers who delivered so much at their respective clubs.
The teamwork of the chiefs of the vanua of Kalabu, church ministers, Nasinu Town Council, corporate entities and government departments has become a unifying force and the union successfully completed their second season this year.
The next major project is a big sevens tournament to be held at Ratu Cakobau Park on October 6 and 7 and will be sponsored by Ram Sami.
“We are inviting 32 teams to participate in these two days of events and with main prize of $5,000 and there are other cash prizes for the tournament,” said Biu.
The entry fee is $500 and closing date for interested clubs is September 27. The last club game was held in 2004 and the ground has been closed for OHS reasons.
Nasinu began in 2016 and in 2017 12 clubs began the competition which ended in a weekly challenge dominated by Newtown who were finally overwhelmed in the final challenge by Tacirua.
Biu and his men are working towards making it to the major union in three years’ time. After laying the proper foundation and two successful seasons of club competitions in the bag no one can doubt that they will achieve their target. The spiritual support of various church leaders in the area have been the guiding light and strength.
A seasoned rugby prop playing his first test for Fiji against Spain in 1999 experience has taught Biu, a lay preacher, that successful men win the battles first in their minds. It is not just positive thinking but faith in the power of God they serve.
Contacts for enquiries are secretary Jone Tukana on mobile 8426663 or Akuila Rokobuli on mobile 9941595.
