The Nadi Rugby Union (NRU) has set high goals of becoming the undisputed champions of the sport in the country this year.
Nadi took out the Skipper Cup title last year but failed to hold on to the prestigious Inkk Mobile Farebrother trophy after going down to Nadroga 20-19 at Prince Charles Park.
Nadroga fullback Jack Volavola was the hero for the Stallions when he kicked a 75th minute winning penalty in a thrilling encounter.
NRU president Mataiasi Nabau said they would start the team off-season program on January 9. Nabau said they held their franchise competition last month.
He said the selection committee had identified 65 players to be part of their training squad.
“The aim is to defend the Skipper Cup and then go for the Farebrother trophy,” Nabau said.
“We missed out on that last year after losing to Nadroga in our last defence after grabbing the trophy from Naitasiri.
“Our club competition will start in March because the Skipper Cup is scheduled to kick off in June.
“Last year the season was a bit disrupted with the Super Rugby Pacific competition. This year the Skipper Cup will start after that and there will be continuous games for 14 weeks. “So it will not spoil the preparations for the Skipper Cup.”
Flanker Jolame Luvevou and utility Ilisoni Galala are expected to join the Jetsetters in April following their short stint in Georgia.
Nabau said they would hold their annual general meeting in March. He said some players who went to Malaysia and Singapore would also join the team.
“We are thankful to all our sponsors Jack’s of Fiji, All in One Builders, Red Brick Laundry, Radisson Blu Resort and Aqua Pacific for their support throughout the 2023 season.
“We are grateful to the ‘vuvale’ partnership.” The last time Nadi held both titles was in 2008.
