Last week I penned an article on the Ratu Filise Rugby Club which has produced renowned players like the Batibasaga brothers Asaeli, Ilikimi and Isimeli, the Tuqiri brothers Lote Tuqiri Sr and Tukula Tuqiri, the late Viliame Tani, Mesake Seavula, Noa Nadruka, Luke Erenavula, Isei Nasiganiyavi, Etuate Honda Gusuivalu, Keleto Loboilagi, Mesake Rasari, the late Temesia Kaumaia, Etuate Waqa and Aminiasi Naituyaga, Sakaraia Labalaba, Sovita Nagatagata, Sirilo Lala, Lote Tuqiri, Etika Tovilevu, Peniasi Damu, Leveni Vatureba, Fero Lasagivabau, Sailosi Rabo, Joeli Lutumailagi, George Ali, Eparama Navale and Amenoni Nasilasila.
I then read with great interest two articles that were written by our veteran sports journalist Maikeli Seru (FT: 25/03).
Maikeli did a great coverage on events related to Nadroga rugby, and I look forward to the finals of the Nadroga Rugby Union franchise knockout competition which is set to add spice to the naming of the Stallions extended squad.
The Stallions are expected to prepare well as they plan to bring back lost glory, and the good, old days when they ruled Fiji rugby and made headlines.
Nadroga Rugby Union will have a new president, but I’m banking on former player-turned president Tiko Matawalu to provide his support and expertise, and to help the new president steer the giants back to winning ways as the 2021 rugby season is set to start soon.
On the other hand, as I read yesterday’s The Fiji Times, the article on the back page caught my attention. As I am an ardent rugby fan, hardly any article escapes my attention.
Hence, Waisale Koroiwasa’s report titled ‘7s trip to remember’ was worth reading.
The report featured the Vonokula Moala 7s team which took part in last weekend’s 45th Fiji Bitter Marist Sapphire 7s tournament.
I was touched by the team’s strategy as they followed a three-year plan to be part of the historic participation in the Marist 7s tournament.
Majority of the players who donned the team’s jumper gained valuable experience playing in Fiji’s biggest 7s tournament, and the boys were hit hard as they tested the Fiji shadow 7s team.
Although they did not taste victory, the boys have returned home with memories and a boost for next year’s Marist 7s tournament.
Thank you so much The Fiji Times and Waisale Koroiwasa for the story on the Vonokula Moala 7s team!
Such stories inspire smaller 7s clubs! This week Christians will be celebrating Easter, and it will be back to business next week for the provincial clubs.
Nadroga has a mammoth task ahead, and the Stallions need to finetune their strategies and resort to the sand dunes to help with the fitness levels.
The former players must also be roped in to address indiscipline and to motivate the young blood.
Until then, I wish the readers a blessed and eventful Easter weekend, and I wish the Stallions all the best in their preparation!
