IT was a memorable day for many kids in the Rugby Town yesterday at they met some rugby greats during a rugby clinic at the Saint Joan of Arc Primary School in Sigatoka.
As many as 100 kids were joined by the Fiji 7s team, USA Falcons, the Australian School Boys, Australian Women’s A side and the Japan Under-18 side for an hour of basic rugby skills.
Led by an entertaining Napolioni Bolaca, all participants seem to have gained something from the clinic, which is a community engagement exercise for the 2023 McDonald’s Fiji’s Coral Coast 7s.
Fiji 7s coach Ben Gollings said it was great to see the kids come out and make use of the opportunity.
“Looking around to see the mixing up is great, especially when you know it comes from an environment like ours, which is pretty focused, interesting to be able to come out here,” Gollings said.
“It’s just a great release to connect and then see the smiles on faces and be able to put smiles on faces. It’s fantastic,” Gollings added.
Australian rugby league and union legend, Lote Tuqiri, was also part of the clinic and shared similar sentiments.
“This is what I guess rugby is. The rugby family, getting involved, getting involved with the kids doing it together,” Tuqiri said.
“It is not only what happens on the field but it’s also on what happens when you see this stuff. You know everyone’s really excited to see all these guys here, the Fiji 7s side as well.”
“And finally, looking around the atmosphere. The kids were all involved. I guess rugby is a whole lot more then what happens on the field,” Tuqiri said.
The Coral Coast 7s begins today at Sigatoka’s Lawaqa Park.
