The Yasawa Rugby Union has adopted a four-year development program with an aim to ultimately win the Skipper Cup competition.
Yasawa is back in the top flight of the Fiji Rugby Union competition after winning the tier two competition last year.
The union has recruited the services of former Super Rugby players, New Zealand All Black 7s player Iliesa Tanivula, together with former national rep Joeli Lotawa to lead their campaign in the top flight.
Tanivula also coached the Fiji 7s team.
Yasawa vice president and competitions director Mosese Susu said they were targeting a top six finish in the Skipper Cup this year.
He said it would be progressive from there on.
“We started with a 10s competition to get our club team players a chance to get game time,” Susu said.
“Another 10s tournament will be held next week. This is all in preparation for our club competition.
“Since we won the Vanua Cup last year and are competing in the Skipper Cup, the competition level will be higher.
“We had a chance to play Nadroga in the Bainimarama Shield Challenge which was a big exposure for our players.”
The union plans to hold separate competitions on the island and mainland for its clubs to identify more players for its training squad.
Susu said they would be targeting grassroots development as well.
“Running the club games in Yasawa will unearth hidden talents,” he said.
“Coach Tanivula identified talents for this year following the Yasawa Rally late last year.
“However, we need to select other players from our club competition who can step up to the Skipper Cup level as well.”
