FIJI Water Flying Fijians winger and former Ratu Kadavulevu School student Jiuta Wainiqolo believes the level of competition in the Vodafone Deans competition has significantly increased over the years.
The 26-year-old attended the Southern Zone semi-final competition at Suva Grammar School grounds yesterday, where he had the opportunity to witness several matches.
Wainiqolo was one of the many success stories of the Deans competition.
From his playing days at Ratu Kadavulevu School, the national flyer went on to reprent Fiji at the HSBC SVNS Series and was part of the national 7s team that won gold at the 2020 Olympic Games in Japan.
The Navu-i-ra in Ra lad was on the radar of international scouts as he joined top French rugby club Toulon shortly after.
Looking back at where it all started, he pointed out the undeniable growth of the Deans.
“I think every year the level of competition in the Deans is rising, I can also see the talent that the boys have, the physicality and skills are on point.”
As a former player for RKS, Wainiqolo recalled his own school days and the fond memories of competing in the Deans competition.
“Just to witness the game today (yesterday) was a great feeling, it brings back memories, reminded me back to the school days, when I used to play for my school Ratu Kadavulevu School.
Wainiqolo commended RKS for their impressive performance in the Eastern zone competition so far.
“For the RKS team they have been winning all their matches Eastern zone competition, winning 45-18 in the semi-final against Tailevu North College today (yesterday.
“Their momentum of the game is increasing, so with winning all their matches comes discipline and wish them all the best in the zone finals and nationals coming up.”
Wainiqolo was pleased to see spectators at the ground and expressed his gratitude to the supporters and parents who came out to cheer on the future rugby stars.
He pointed out that while competitions like Deans is nurturing young talent, the young men competing will need all the support from their parents, families and friends to not only get through it successfully but to be able to have a pathway and future after secondary schools rugby.
