SUVA Grammar School’s rise as a powerhouse in Fiji secondary schools’ rugby is driven by one core philosophy: character over talent.
This approach has crafted not only championship-winning teams but also resilient, disciplined young men and women embodying the school’s proud “Lion Spirit”.
Today, Suva Grammar will showcase this spirit with the school represented in all grades at Vodafone Dean’s and Weetbix Raluve quarter-finals which will take place at three different venues across the country.
The Nasese school’s recent success is remarkable.
Last season they clinched the Dean’s under-15 and under-16 national titles.
Their dominant under-16 team, now in the under-17 grade, aims for a fourth consecutive national crown after another strong southern zone campaign.
Despite their growing reputation, principal Iosefo Masivue insists rugby is about more than trophies.
“Rugby is used to build character for our young men and women,” he said.
“The rugby field and rugby training is just another type of classroom for us. It’s where students learn skills not taught in traditional classrooms — social skills, emotional intelligence, and moral values that build their character.”
“Our motto for rugby over the past few years now is character over talent,” Masivue added.
“We do not just rely on the talent of our rugby players because character is the thing that will take them far with their rugby talent.”
There is no pressure for the six teams to win their national quater-finals; success is measured by each student’s growth through rugby.
Yet, the values instilled naturally fuel a fierce competitive edge — the Lion Spirit — a champion’s mentality forged through character long before the final whistle.
