KADAVU Rugby Union (KRU) has been forced to abandon home advantage for the remainder of its Skipper Cup campaign after worsening weather made travel to the island increasingly unsafe.
The KRU confirmed yesterday that its remaining three home matches will be relocated to Viti Levu because of continued wet weather, rough seas and strong winds affecting maritime travel to and within Kadavu.
The decision comes after KRU made history by bringing Skipper Cup and Subrails Marama Championship matches to Kadavu, allowing the teams to play in front of their home supporters.
KRU president Lynda Tabuya said the decision was not taken lightly.
“We were immensely proud to make history by bringing the Skipper Cup and Subrails Marama Championship matches home to Kadavu, and nothing compares to playing before our own people on our own home soil,” Tabuya said.
“However, the welfare and safety of our players, visiting teams, supporters and the travelling public must come first.”
The Fiji Meteorological Service’s continuing weather warnings have added to concerns over the safety and reliability of maritime travel.
The difficult conditions have also affected supporters travelling from Viti Levu to Kadavu, as well as residents moving by sea from different parts of the island to attend matches.
KRU said relocating the fixtures would provide greater certainty for teams and supporters while allowing the union to tap into its strong supporter base on Viti Levu.
The school holidays could also provide an opportunity for families to attend the matches.
Kadavu’s first relocated home fixture will be against Lautoka at Churchill Park in Lautoka this Saturday.
KRU is calling on its supporters across the Western Division and Viti Levu to turn out in numbers and back the Kadavu side.
Venues for the other two relocated home fixtures will be announced once confirmed.
