THIRTY players have been registered to represent the Nadroga rugby team to tour New Zealand in an exhibition match against Southland rugby team next month.
The team will take on Namosi rugby team on Saturday at the Kalevu Ground at the Coral Coast as its warm-up match before leaving for New Zealand on February 10.
Union president Jikoibau Matawalu said the players were excited for the trip and they looked forward to an exciting trip.
“We thank River Safari for assisting us and giving us this opportunity to go and participate in New Zealand,” Matawalu said.
“This will boost us in our preparation in defending the Farebrother Trophy and our buildup for the Skipper Cup competition.
“Club and provincial rugby in New Zealand is more competitive, and for Nadroga to face one of the best clubs in the country (NZ) is a bonus to us as we gear up for another rugby season in Fiji.
“Nadroga fans and members of the Nadroga community in New Zealand have informed us on their expectations as this will be the first time a Nadroga team will tour overseas for a rugby competition.”
The Farebrother Trophy champion will take on Southland rugby team on Thursday, February 13 at Fred Booth Park at 6pm, Waimumu, New Zealand.
Tour party: Jikoibau Matawalu, Kaliova Mocetadra, Semi Naura, Luke Salaba, Osea Naiova, Sitiveni Natoko, Tomasi Lotawa, Vilimone Bainibure, Ratu Josaia Nacika, Setefano Somoca, Tomasi Mara, Emosi Vucago, Manueli Ratuniyarawa, Sevanaia Rokotuinaceva, Mosese Tuivalulu, Lilo Veseivalu, Ledua Waqabaca, Jone Koroiduadua, Eroni Bakabaka, Lisala Nasege, Aminio Bitomagimagi, Jonetani Kunavula, Peni Kadralevu, Mosese Vitukutuku, Aminiasi Naituyaga Jr, Josese Kurokavu, Netani Tabua, Joseph Cavu, Semisi Nakokorava and Tavimeleki Vesau.
