FORMER Nadroga rugby players plying their trade in France were excited to once again hold and take a close glance at some of the famous rugby titles they once fought for while in Fiji.
Nadroga Rugby Union president Tiko Matawalu, during his one-month attachment on strategic planning and operation at the professional level with the Clermont rugby team, also took the four rugby titles won by Nadroga this season.
The four rugby titles are the Skipper Cup, the HFC Bank Farebrother trophy that was won by the main team, the Skipper U20 title won by the Nadroga U20 and the Invitational International 7s title won by the Nadroga U16 in New Caledonia.
Matawalu said the players were excited to see the achievement of the Nadroga team and privileged to hold the trophies they used to battle for while in Fiji.
“Most of the Nadroga boys in Nadroga have won the Farebrother and to again hold the trophy reminds them of their struggles and sacrifices,” Matawalu said.
Among the top Nadroga players he visited in France was his younger brother and Vodafone Flying Fijians skipper Akapusi Qera.
Other notable players he visited were Qera’s Montpellier teammate Samisoni Viriviri, Clermont trio Napolioni Nalaga, Uwa Tuwalo and Peceli Yato.
Meanwhile, Matawalu reaffirmed the partnership between Nadroga and ASM Clermont had blossomed.
He said a new deal had again been reached by the two unions that would benefit Nadroga players and their families
Matawalu said plan was in the pipeline for their under 17 and 18 years players to secure “study and rugby scholarships”.
“There are also discussions to recruit 17 and 18 years old on study and rugby scholarships,” said Matawalu.
“This I could see is good for our provinces and our nation in terms of individual careers and remittances.
“I am here in France getting to the root of all discussion to ensure we have the right people to deal with when we are back in Fiji.”
He said their partnership would not affect the performance of the Nadroga team during local competitions.
“It is not that they will take 20 or so players from our pool of young players but the most would be the best two or three that go through a two-year program of which they sign an academy contract.”
* INSIDE: Read Matawalu’s opinion on their partnership with Clermont — Page 27
