IN a heartfelt effort to bridge the gap between the rugby field and the community, the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua, under the guidance of head coach Mick Byrnes, embarked on a community connection tour that’s not just about winning games but winning hearts.
Byrnes expressed the team’s commitment to connecting with the rich cultural tapestry of Fiji, choosing Rakiraki as the starting point for their community outreach.
“What better place to go into and connect with the culture? Rakiraki is one of the original spots with a lot of history and culture,” Byrnes stated, emphasising the significance of the visit for the Flying Fijians to intertwine with the community.
The team’s venture into Rakiraki extended beyond cultural appreciation as they embraced the heartwarming atmosphere during school visits.
“Our school visit is awesome; it’s part of connecting with the community,” Byrnes highlighted, underlining the team’s dedication to making a positive impact beyond the rugby field.
Making history, the Fijian Drua side engaged in back-to-back school visits over two days, reaching four different areas.
Yesterday, a contingent of the team graced Drauniivi District School and Rakiraki District in Rakiraki, while others visited St Theresa Primary School and Namosau Methodist Primary in Ba.
In Lautoka, the rugby spirit spread across Gurukul Primary School, Lautoka Andra School, and Lautoka SDA School.
At Lautoka Andra School, teacher Nemani Lalabalavu expressed gratitude for the presence of Drua team members, Samuela Tawake and Motikiai Murray.
Their visit not only brought smiles to the students but also added an extra layer of excitement to the school’s atmosphere.
Members of the Drua, including Samuela Tawake and Motikiai Murray, joined forces with the Lautoka Rugby Get Into Rugby team to conduct rugby clinics for students in Lautoka. The initiative not only nurtured budding talents but also fostered a sense of camaraderie between the players and the aspiring rugby stars of tomorrow.
As the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua continues this unique journey of community connection, it’s not just about preparing for the next game; it’s about sowing seeds of inspiration and fostering a deeper bond with the Fijian people they proudly represent on the global rugby stage.
