THE Ra Rugby side will lean on unity, discipline and youthful determination as they prepare for a do-or-die 2026 Vanua Cup Championship elimination clash against Northland Rugby this Saturday.
Team manager Asinate Rokovaki said preparations had centred on helping the young squad understand their responsibilities on and off the field ahead of one of their toughest tests of the season.
“We have quite a lot of young players, so the training is based on phase experience and also the boys’ approaches during the match,” Rokovaki said.
With nearly 70 per cent of the squad made up of young players, Ra is expected to rely heavily on its fighting spirit and commitment to the team’s structures against the more experienced Northland outfit.
“The motto will speak for itself – ‘Mae na Mae’,” Rokovaki said.
“I believe the boys are equipped with that fighting spirit and the focus to stick to the game plan and everything the coaches have been teaching them on and off the field.”
Rokovaki said management and coaching staff had placed strong emphasis on building unity within the team, believing strong relationships off the field would translate into better performances on match day.
“We keep focusing on how the players can work together. Unity is very important — how they train together, bond together and connect with the management and coaching staff,” she said.
However, Ra heads into the crucial encounter with injury concerns, with three players currently under medical observation.
“The doctors and management are observing everything closely,” she said.
Despite the setbacks, Rokovaki remains confident the young side can rise to the occasion.
“Northland has been around for quite a while and they have an established name in the Vanua Cup competition,” she said.
“For us, this is about challenging our young players to step up, fill big shoes and perform under pressure.”
The Ra rugby side acknowledges the support from the vanua, sponsors, overseas fans and everyone that have rallied behind the team.
The match kicks off at 3pm on Saturday at Narauyaba Sports Ground in Ra.
