THE whole of Ra came together in Rakiraki yesterday to celebrate a moment that had been 28 years in the making Ra Rugby’s Vodafone Vanua Cup triumph.
The celebrations began with a march through the town of Vaileka, bringing together players, officials, supporters, former players and members of the wider Ra community to honour the team’s historic achievement.
Ra Rugby president Josaia Niudamu described the occasion as a significant milestone for the province and the town of Vaileka.
“This is history in the province of Ra. It marks history in the town of Vaileka, where we are celebrating with our rugby boys winning the Vanua Cup after 28 years,” Niudamu said.
“For that, it is an achievement for the province.”
Niudamu said the march was more than just a celebration, but a way for the people of Ra to recognise the dedication and commitment of the players who brought the coveted title back to the province.
“The march is a recognition of this massive achievement of our boys,” he said.
The celebration also provided an opportunity for the current generation of players to share the moment with those who laid the foundation for Ra Rugby over the years.
For supporters who had waited nearly three decades to see Ra lift the Vanua Cup again, the occasion was a reminder of the province’s deep-rooted passion for rugby.
The victory has not only brought silverware back to Ra but has united communities across the province in pride and celebration.
After 28 years, the Vanua Cup is once again in Ra and yesterday, the entire province stood together to celebrate.
