THE 30th Fiji Bitter Nawaka 7s will acknowledge the achievements of some of Nawaka’s sons who had represented Fiji.
These include players such as Manasa Qoro, Esala Labalaba, Opeti Turuva, Apisai Nagata, Setareki Varo, Savenaca Aria, Penisoni Waki, Pauliasi Tabulutu, Alivereti Dere, Aminiasi Nava Sr, Samu Vunivalu, Vereniki Waqa, Apisai Naevo, Semisi Naevo, Norman Ligairi, Lalai Driu and Ilai Derenalagi, to name a few.
Tournament official Ilai Derenalagi said these former reps would be acknowledged for their rugby achievement of having made the people of Nawaka proud in their yesteryears. He said the tournament always attracted these former reps knowing the event played a significant role in their rugby success.
“Since this will be the 30th year, we will be acknowledging these former reps for their rugby contribution,” said Derenalagi.
“This is the only event that brings former Nawaka players together.
“The tournament also played a huge role in the success of former players which is the reason we don’t want to miss this year’s 30th year celebration.”
Meanwhile, Derenalagi said the tournament was the brainchild of the late Tui Nawaka Ratu Meli Naevo.
He said the late chief started this initiative before it was taken over by his then successor, the late Apisai Naevo.
“It was during Ratu Apisai’s reign that he handed over the 7s event to be administered by one of the then school teachers, Anasa Vateitei who later handed it over to the Nawaka Rugby Club,” said Derenalagi.
“Nearly all the young boys in the village during Ratu Meli’s reign played rugby and it was his idea to host a 7s tournament to showcased his players’ calibre and talents.
“Today, we are reaping the fruit if his great vision not only on the rugby paddock but also through the income of from this event is used for village, vanua and school developments.”
