Island zone rugby will be revived, according to Fiji Rugby Union acting CEO Tevita Tuiloa. Tuiloa says while he is in office, he will try to revive the island zone competition.
The competition has produced some national players such as Kaiava Salusalu, former Flying Fijians prop Joeli Veitayaki, Sireli Matavesi, Vesito Rauluni, Jone Daunivucu, Rupeni Caucaunibuca, Jone Railomo to name a few.
Island teams such as Yasawa, Cakaudrove-i-wai, MaloloMoturiki, Ovalau, Gau, Koro, Nairai, Lakeba, Vanuabalavu, Matuku, Moala, Ono-i-Lau, Rotuma, Kadavu, Rabe, Bua North were part of the tournament.
While speaking to members of the Vanuabalavu Rugby Club and officials, he shared how Lakeba rugby, an island team too from the Lau Group, began their competition with the Suva Rugby Union last year.
Tuiloa was grateful that Vanuabalavu has taken the initiative to join SRU to play in the Koroturaga championship.
“I am grateful to the plans in place for the club and to push the players in to play rugby and one day wear the white jersey,” he said.
“Rugby is now a source of living and has helped young players to achieve their goal, join clubs overseas, represented the country and most of all give back to their families and community.
“Rugby has provided opportunities such as the Fijian Drua, Flying Fijianas, and the Fiji Airways 7s team and there is no excuse, everything has been provided, we want players who have the right attitude and have faith in themselves.”
He said the plans were in place for the island zone competition to begin in the school break of term two where islands from Rotuma, right up to Vanuabalavu, Moala would participate.
