THE road back to the Skipper Cup begins now for Vatukoula Rugby as they rebuild their side for the Vodafone Vanua Championship.
Head coach Emori Ratu is determined to rebuild his side after their relegation from the Skipper Cup competition last year.
Ratu said the experience of competing at the top level had only strengthened the team’s desire to return.
“This year, we were one of the bottom two teams that were ruled out from the Skipper Cup competition and now we have to start again in the Vanua Cup Championship with the tier two teams,” he said.
The rebuilding process has not been easy, with several experienced players leaving to join other provincial unions.
However, Ratu believes the departures have created an opportunity for a new generation of players to step up.
“Most of the players in our current squad are young because many of our senior players have moved on to other unions. I’m not upset about that because it shows they have developed into quality players during their time with Vatukoula,” he said.
“My focus now is to build this young team and help them reach new heights.”
Ratu admitted preparations have been far from ideal as many players are balancing rugby with full-time employment at the Vatukoula Gold Mine.
“We haven’t had as much time together as we would have liked because of work commitments, but I believe it will still be a good and competitive match against Yasawa,” he said.
“We have to show on the field that even with limited preparation, we can still produce quality rugby.”
Ratu has challenged his players to approach every fixture with a finals mentality if they are serious about earning promotion.
“I keep reminding the boys that every team in the Vanua Cup has the same goal of qualifying for the Skipper Cup.”
Away from the field, the coach highlighted the union’s lack of gym facilities and training equipment as one of its biggest challenges.
The Vatukoula Rugby Union is now appealing to businesses, organisations and stakeholders to assist in establishing a training gym to help develop its players as the club pushes for a return to the Skipper Cup next season.
Vatukoula will meet their neighbouring brothers Tavua this Saturday at 3pm.
