NEWLY established Island Breeze Rugby Plus 7s Club is making its presence known locally and internationally.
Two of their teams took out top honours at the Townsville and Adelaide 7s in Australia respectively, while their local-based team reached the final of the Nausori 7s last weekend.
The two Australian-based teams are laced with Fijian boys who are under the Rugby Plus and Chaplaincy program. The program is an initiative of Island Breeze Australia — a ministry of Youth with a Mission, a not for profit Christian values-based organisation.
The club also nurtured Wallabies new rep Sefanaia Naivalu and according to Rugby Plus and Island Breeze director, Waqa Baravilala, the performance of their teams was a huge achievement for the club.
He said the program was to keep young men in Fiji and the Pacific Islands off the streets and helping them become role models for their villages, communities and families — on and off the field rugby.
Waqa said the achievements of Naivalu together with the performance of their 7s teams painted positive images for the program in the future.
“Two in two tournaments and reaching the final in another separate tournament was a huge achievement for Island Breeze,” he said.
“Many talented players showcase their talents in their respective teams and we are grateful with their effort.”
Former Wallabies and Flying Fijians players and head coach Ilivasi Tabua has also played a vital role in grooming these young Fijians to maximise their rugby talents.