RA Rugby Union president Josaia Niudamu says the province is more united than ever as the team prepares to defend the INKK Farebrother Challenge Trophy against 2026 Skipper Cup champions Cambridge Nadroga this Saturday.
The historic 32-27 victory over defending champions Naitasiri at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva last Saturday has given Ra a major confidence boost, but Niudamu insists the team must remain focused on the task ahead.
He said maintaining their winning momentum would be crucial as Ra prepares for another tough encounter against a determined Nadroga outfit.
“Keeping momentum is very important. Our recent victory has given the team confidence, and sustaining that belief and form can be as decisive as individual talent in a trophy challenge,” Niudamu said.
“Ra will keep the trophy by treating each match as a fresh challenge rather than relying on past results.”
Despite the celebrations following their historic triumph, Niudamu said the team had already shifted its attention towards identifying and addressing areas that needed improvement.
He highlighted the forward pack and maul defence as two key areas the coaching staff had identified for improvement ahead of Saturday’s challenge.
“Our preparation has remained intense but deliberately low-key, with the focus shifting from building belief to addressing physical and tactical weaknesses before this Saturday’s match against Nadroga,” he said.
Niudamu said the players were also undergoing a demanding physical programme while strengthening their mental resilience and unity to cope with the pressure of defending the prestigious trophy.
However, he acknowledged that Ra’s historic campaign would not have been possible without the sacrifices and unwavering commitment of the people of Ra.
He said the chiefs, elders, villages and supporters had played a significant role in ensuring the team remained focused throughout its Farebrother campaign.
“They contributed so much through food, pledges, moral support and many more. Ra supporters and our chiefs are the backbone of Ra Rugby Union,” Niudamu said.
With minimal sponsorship backing, Niudamu described the team as a true vanua effort, highlighting the contributions of the people of Ra, head coach Sireli Bobo, team management and committee members.
“This is a vanua team with very minimal sponsorship. The strength of the vanua o Ra and our head coach Sireli Bobo has kept this team going.
“We also acknowledge the hardworking team management and committee. There are a lot of misunderstandings, but thankfully the coaches and the boys remain focused on their objectives.”
Ra will be aiming to continue its remarkable campaign when it meets Nadroga at Narauyaba Sports Ground in Ra at 3pm this Saturday.
