THE heavens opened up as a slight drizzle softly fell on Cuvu Village chiefly ground in Nadroga to welcome the arrival of the champion Nadroga rugby team yesterday.
The Nadroga Rugby Union celebrated this year’s success with a march through the Sigatoka Town before the players travelled to Nadovi for a half kilometre parade march to Cuvu Village.
Hundreds of people from all walks of life greeted their rugby heroes with banners and cheers as players escorted the four rugby titles they won this season.
These trophies include the HFC Bank Farebrother Challenge trophy, Skipper Cup, Skipper Cup under 20 trophy and the Nadroga U16 shield from the International Invitational 7s tournament in New Caledonia.
Prominent names such as Emosi Vucago, Setefano Samoca, Mitieli Nacagilevu, Jiuta Lutumailagi, Savenaca Rawaca, Apisalome Waqatabu, Ratu Seru Cakobau, Ratu Penijiamini Makutu, Eremasi Radrodro to name a few were swamped by “rugby mad” fans during the march past.
Rugby fans followed their heroes during the march to Cuvu where the elders of the vanua Nakuruvarua patiently waited to traditionally receive their brave hearts.
The players were later joined by the Villagers and fans in traditional dance taura- tale after a lively performance by the Fiji Police and Fiji Military Forces bands at the village green before the players were treated to a feast.
Nadroga assistant manager Pita Kedralevu said the players were overwhelmed with support of the vanua.
He said the support would motivate the boys to work hard next season and to retain the trophies in Nadroga.
“We are humbled with the support shown by our fans that despite the rain people still made an effort to meet the boys,” said Kedralevu.
“This kind of support always made the players to work hard and we thank the vanua and the supporters for having faith in the team.”
Former Nadroga reps such as Kini Malai, Kavekini Nalaga, Jonetani Waqa and Vula Maimuri, Ratu Kini Vosailagi, Sikeli Kunaqio and Nadroga head coach Esala Nauga were some notable names present at the celebration.
