THE Navatu Secondary School under-19 team, the lone northern school competing in this Saturday’s Fiji Secondary Schools Rugby Union Vodafone Super Deans Championship, has hailed the organisers for introducing a game-changing registration policy.
The new rule allows teams to bolster their squads by recruiting up to six additional players of the same age grade from neighbouring schools within their zone, giving schools like Navatu a much-needed boost ahead of the crucial eliminations and finals.
Navatu Secondary earned their spot in the quarter-finals with a hard-fought 19-12 victory over a spirited Queen Victoria School side at Ratu Ganilau Park last Saturday.
This weekend, they’re set to host Suva Grammar School in what promises to be another thrilling clash on home turf.
Head coach Alipate Ravulo spoke passionately about how the policy is a lifeline for northern schools, which often struggle with smaller student numbers compared to their rivals in other zones.
“We’re incredibly thankful for this change in registration rules. Before, northern schools were at a real disadvantage because we simply don’t have the student roll or player depth like other zones do,” he said.
“This new rule has been a game-changer for small schools. There are some fantastic players in schools that didn’t make it through to the playoffs, and bringing in four such players has made a real difference.” Navatu U19 have registered players from Napuka Secondary and Bucalevu Secondary School. The side will take on Suva Grammar School at Ratu Ganilau Park in Savusavu this Saturday at 11.30am in their U19 super Deans quarterfinals.
Meanwhile in the U18 grade quarterfinals fixtures at HFC Bank National Stadium in Suva, Lelean Memorial School will battle Ratu Navula College at 4.30 pm followed by Suva Grammar School taking on Ba Provincial Institute at 5.55pm. At Garvey Park in Tavua, Ra High School will take on defending champion Ratu Kadavulevu School at 1.40pm followed by Cuvu College who will battle Nasinu Secondary School at 3.05pm.
