Modest clothing during training for Bau District School in their preparation for the Get Into Rugby Plus Festival earlier this week was a difficult part of their training, however, the team persevered when they participated in the one-day tournament.
The young team of girls in the under-12 grade underwent training on the island of Bau, where they wore skirts and dresses to train, in accordance with iTaukei protocol in the village.
Year six teacher and coach Dominika Marama explained that the team often felt uncomfortable having to train in such clothing and added it was a hurdle in their training as well.
“When they’re here (in Suva) and wearing shorts, for them it’s comfortable and in school, it’s not comfortable because they’re just wearing skirts and dresses and I think that’s the most challenging part for them,” Marama said.
Despite their adherence to protocol, the team was fully prepared to participate in the one-day tournament, which concluded with each school walking away with a commemorative trophy that thanked them for their participation.
Marama said the team would look further and try to play their very best to be a part of the Tailevu women’s rugby team.
She also thanked the parents and guardians of the students, acknowledging them for their support and understanding in allowing their children to participate.
