The Nadroga Rugby Union had its awards night this week.
The All Blacks of Fiji rugby completed another successful defence of the Skipper Cup and Farebrother Cup.
The structure and system in place by the Nadroga Rugby Union must be emulated by other provincial unions if they are to stand any chance of preventing the Stallions from another whitewash next year.
Led by Tiko Matawalu and Esala Nauga, two powerful rugby players in their playing days, Nadroga has developed numerous players into the 7s and 15s teams while a good number have made a name for themselves in Europe.
One beautiful thing about Nadroga’s success is the support of the vanua and their fans in the preparation of the team for any match.
Nadroga fans travel all over Fiji when their team plays and the noise they make in support of their champion team silences other fans.
Those who don the white jumper wear it with pride.
Hence, the awards night was the icing on the cake where the likes of Radrodro, Veitokani, Waqatabu, Ralulu and mentor Nauga were rewarded for the superb performance throughout the rugby calendar.
Above all, it was the team effort that reaped the fruits.
Veteran Iliesa Ratuva, who was part of our 7s team, was also farewelled by the rugby loving fraternity.
Ratuva was a rugged and disciplined player and was part of the Stallions’ many successful seasons.
Thank you once again Nadroga Rugby Union for yet another successful season and I am adamant that 2017 would be another fruitful year for the Stallions.
I hope to see Radrodro, Jiuta and Veitokani wearing the national 7s jumper.
A big vinaka vakalevu to the players, team management and the vanua for making the Stallions Fiji’s number one team in provincial rugby. Hakwa Nadro!
