YOUNG rugby players from Ba and Suva were given the chance to test their skills and enjoy the game as Ba Rugby Union hosted the Seremaia Bai Eastern Saints Rugby Club in friendly matches on Saturday.
The visiting Eastern Saints Academy and Ba Rugby competed in the U14, U16 and U18 grades, giving young players valuable game time ahead of the new school term.
Eastern Saints Rugby Club and Academy director Seremaia Bai said the initiative was aimed at keeping students active and engaged before returning to school.
He highlighted that it was the club’s first time travelling from Suva to Ba for friendly matches, describing the experience as positive for both players and coaches.
Bai also noted that many of the U14 and players are transitioning from primary school to secondary school, with varying levels of ability.
He stressed that the focus of the matches was not on winning, but on enjoyment, development and exposing the players to competitive rugby in a relaxed environment.
Ba Rugby Union welcomed the opportunity to host the Eastern Saints, saying such matches help build relationships between clubs while nurturing young talent at grassroots level.
The friendly matches were described as a step in the right direction for junior rugby development, with both sides benefiting from the exchange and game experience.
