They call themselves a forgotten tribe, but this weekend, they’re making their presence known through rugby.
More than 32 men’s rugby teams and 10 netball teams from across Fiji will converge at the Natovi Parish Grounds for the RC Manubhai Natovi 7s tournament on Friday and Saturday.
Tournament controller Paji Tiko says the tournament goes beyond just sports.
“We want to promote a drug-free lifestyle, stop domestic violence and support grassroots rugby,” he said.
Tiko said while big names like Tabadamu will feature, most teams are local, community-based squads in the Tailevu Northland area, and the rest of the teams come from places such as Ra, Vanua Levu and Lomaiviti.
“We’re trying to nurture grassroots talent here. We want to eventually build a team that can go and compete in major tournaments like the Fiji Bitter 7s series,” he said.
He added that the region is often overlooked in terms of sports development and the tournament is a way to change that.
“There are a lot of things we’re not acknowledged for or cared about. But through this tournament, we are creating a platform.”
While 10 women’s netball teams are part of the event, there will be no women’s rugby after only two teams registered.
The winner of the men’s rugby competition will take home $3000, with the runner-up pocketing $1500.
All matches will take place at the Natovi Parish Grounds, with action kicking off on Friday morning.
