For the first time last Saturday, the top clubs in Ba experienced playing at the new 4R Stadium, Govind Park, using the state-of-the-art changing rooms, lining up in the tunnel like they see international teams do on TV, and then standing proudly for the Fiji National Anthem.
“It became emotional for so many of us, not just the players in the final,” BRU Secretary Gaby Kautoga admitted. “Three short seasons ago, we had our first Club Managers’ meeting sitting on the grass at Vinod Patel Park, trying to work out how best to organise our club games.”
“I saw some tears in the eyes of our officials and volunteers who have shared this journey with us.”
Kautoga said Ba Rugby had received so many compliments from far and wide – from club officials, spectators and from those watching the live-stream.
“Seini Lewa’s singing of the National Anthem brought the stadium to a standstill. I hadn’t had goose-bumps like that for quite some time.”
And then everyone was treated to a terrifically physical Grand Final of the Vinod Patel Cup as Toge eventually overpowered Navala 24-10 with a late converted try from Player of the Match Arimela Noa settling the matter.
Kautoga also noted that this was a dress rehearsal for the BRU ahead of the Skipper Cup and Marama Championship.
“We will host Tailevu, Naitasiri, Rewa, Kadavu and Lautoka at this special venue this year and we’d like everything to be smooth sailing.”
