EVER since it was first staged, the Deans competition has grew in popularity generating interest among not only locals but also overseas scouts.
Around the yaqona bowl, on the street, at the bus-stand and even in church, the question that is often heard asked is: “Are you going to watch the Deans this weekend?”
This Saturday, it is that time of the year yet again where the top schools from each zone battle it out for top honours with an eye on the Holy Grail of secondary schools rugby.
The hype surrounding the competition creates an electrifying energy creating a synergy among students, teachers, parents, former students and supporters alike.
A look back at history will tell you that Queen Victoria Schoo has been the most successful school having hoisted the prestigious silverware 21 times.
Last year, QVS without a proper physical structure to call a school because of the damage by Severe Tropical Cyclone Winston, achieved the stuff of which legends are made to come out victors over a spirited Red Fire (Marist Brothers’ High School).
The Matavatucou warriors will run on to the rugby paddock this week, with their black armbands and cloud of sorrow hanging over their heads. This week QVS bade farewell to not only an old boy and teacher but one of the most successful coaches in secondary school rugby history, Elemaca Ravulo, who passed away after a short illness.
Mr Ravulo was not only responsible for creating a winning culture for the Victorians but he helped nurture national and international reps; Kini Murimurivalu and Henry Speight.
“What we want to do is to show students all around the country that even when we’re not together, if we work together we can still achieve our aim,” Mr Ravulo, told this newspaper last year.
Ratu Kadavulevu School, the second most successful school in the history of the competition with 20 wins, is smelling blood. Its hopes of retaining title for a second consecutive time last year were shattered when MBHS drowned their hopes in the semi-final at Lawaqa Park.
The third most successful school in history (Lelean Memorial School) for the first time in a long time has not made it to the top eight after being ousted by Saint John’s College in the Eastern Zone third position play-off.
SJC has not tasted victory but has been the powerhouse in the Eastern Zone defeating even holders QVS.
Whatever the outcome, everyone who will tune in this Saturday, will want nothing less than a win.
The competition has produced national and international stars of the oval ball game.
Fiji’s historic Hong Kong 7s win in 1977 was skippered by former parliamentarian Ratu Ilaitia Tuisese, a product of Ratu Kadavulevu School. The 1984 side which thrashed New Zealand and coached by Ian Duncan was skippered by the late Aliposo Waqailiti, a product of Marist Brothers High School.
One just needs to look at the Flying Fijians side — captain Akapusi Qera was a Deans champion for Suva Grammar School, Henry Seniloli skippered his RKS team, Jale Vatubua, Naulia Dawai, Dominiko Waqaniburotu and Asaeli Tikoirotuma featured for MBHS and Kini Murimurivalu started from Laucala Bay Secondary School before finishing off at QVS.
Wallabies centre Tevita Kurudrani and All Blacks utility Setareki Tamanivalu were once boarders at Lelean Memorial School before establishing their names for their adopted country. Scotland 7s rep Joseva Nayacavou ran out for MBHS before finishing off at Lelean Memorial School.
Wallabies Marika Koroibete and French players Vereimi Vakatawa and Noa Nakaitaci are products of Nasinu Secondary School.
The list can go on and on
The competition has produced these stars who in turn have given back to their families, vanua and country.
Yet more needs to be done. Not all secondary school players get to secure an overseas contract, not all go to university and secure a job.
A number of them were brought in by teachers only to fend for themselves when the rugby season is over. Some return to club games, others to their villages and farms while there have been those caught on the wrong side of the law.
The Fiji Secondary Schools Rugby Union, teachers, former srtudents, supporters and players have invested a lot in the competition. The question many ask is where to after secondary school, when all the hype has subsided and students are left with their pens and books with the blackboard in front of them; what does the future hold for them?
The time is nigh that development programs are in place to see these students go through a system with a smooth transition from age grade rugby to national level.
In the Under 18 quarter-final giantkillers SJC will take on the might of Nasinu Secondary School, a team that has featured in several finals of the competition.
Cuvu College will want to go one step ahead but in front of them is 2001 champions SGS.
MBHS last hoisted the prestigous silverware in 1977 before being drawn with RKS a year later. In addition, Marist after appearing in the past two finals is hungry for the title.
QVS will want to win for their late coach, while Ratu Navula is after their second title since 2013.
Whatever the results from this Saturday’s quarter-finals, may the best team win and may rugby come out as the eventual winner.
* In Kaila! is the full list of Deans Trophy winners from 1939 to last year.
