Rural schools in the Western Division are receiving a much-needed boost in sports and education, thanks to the efforts of the Fiji Life Foundation Support Grassroot Rugby initiative.
What began as a partnership between Gordon Rugby Club in Australia and Encore Company Limited in the US under the name STAG in 2023 has now grown into a full-fledged support network. Last year, Fiji Life Foundation founder Dr. Mike Gosling, Mantaray Island Resort Managing Director Ryan Irvine, and Kilkara West Pymble (KWP) in Sydney joined the cause, strengthening its reach and rebranding it as Fiji Life Foundation Support Grassroot Rugby.
Local representative Kaiyava Salusalu, who has been involved since the group’s formation, says the core mission is to develop young rugby talent in the West.
“Our main aim is to see that these young talents are being developed and exposed so they can earn professional contracts.
“We are only focusing on rural schools in the Western Division,” Salusalu said.
The group has supported rugby clubs like Yasawa Mantra and Somosomo Rugby Club, and has made contributions to several schools, including Naviti District School, Gaunavou Primary School, Ratu Meli Primary School, Burua Memorial School, Nahehevia Secondary School, and Nakauvadra High School.
Salusalu confirmed that rugby uniforms for Yasawa High School are ready, and the next donation will be presented tomorrow at Ratu Nemani Memorial School. The school will receive rugby uniforms for students in the U11 to U14 grades, and netball uniforms for the U10 to U14 age groups.
