Retiring from playing is not a decision taken lightly by rugby players.
“Hanging the boots” as they say, is always planned with an exit in glory by rugby players who want to quit from competitive competitions.
All ruggers love to have a fairytale ending and leave behind a legacy. That includes Sireli Ledua, one of the veterans of Fijian rugby.
The Moala, Lau native wants to end his illustrous rugby career by winning the 2020 Sukuna Bowl competition tomorrow. Most importantly because he is the captain of the Subrails-sponsored Army rugby team. “This is the 13th year I am playing in the Sukuna Bowl competition.
I have been with the RFMF for 15 years as a soldier. I did not play for two years because of peacekeeping duties in the Middle East and one year in Australia,” he said.
“This will be my last game too and I want to bow out with a win.”
Ledua, who had played seven Tests for Fiji, captained the Fiji under-21 side, Suva and Northland team, will lead the charge for the Delainabua side in his swan song. He was also part of the red and green stripes winning pack last year.
“The RFMF team this year is full of young players. Some are two years old in the forces and playing in the Sukuna Bowl.
I am the oldest player in the team and I am thankful as captain that I have learned a lot of things.
“Most of the young players we have are renowned names such as Fiji 7s captain Meli Derenalagi, Flying Fijians prop Manasa Saulo, Fiji 7s Olympian Apisai Domolailai, Suva rugby captain John Stewart, Suva lock Manoa Tamaya, and Fiji Navy and Suva prop Benjamin Makutu.
These are players who bring their knowledge to help the team.
“The Police team is not like our side. Our players come through the RFMF process, from recruitment as soldier to playing in the Sukuna Bowl. The Police team is different. You can play as long as you are a special constable or you just get sworn-in today and you can play immediately. The Police team has a lot of renowned players such as those who had played for Fiji, Farebrother Trophy challenge and the Skipper Cup competition. That is why we call them the ‘Mighty opposition.’
“With the Sukuna Bowl hype, we will talk on the field. That’s where the champ will be crowned. Sukuna Bowl is different from all rugby competitions. It is about allegiance, its history and playing in front of our superiors. It is a war zone.
“We have a strategy where we have players giving advice on key positions. The captain will concentrate on making decisions on the ground as per the referee’s calls.
“Each player will be a captain of himself because the captain cannot push a player to work hard. He will be required to work hard on the field. For me, winning the title on Friday will be my exit on a high note.”
