Seven hundred and forty students of Draiba Primary School had an opportunity to meet a few Super Rugby players last week.
The students got to meet Melbourne Rebels prop Isaac Kailea (Izzy) and fullback Nick Jooste (Joostey) alongside three Fijian Drua players and nine Fijiana Drua players.
The school was buzzing with all the excitement from the special visit. The players had the opportunity to introduce themselves and also interact with the students after the formalities.
The students kept the players entertained with some cheerful cultural dances during the program.
Draiba Primary’s head of school, Sailosi Kama said when they received a phone call from the Fiji Rugby Union (FRU) about the visit – the students and teachers were overjoyed.
“They were excited because there are a lot of schools in Suva but we got selected, it surely means a lot to us,” Mr Kama said.
“It’s so great to be selected by FRU and the Australian High Commission.
“We are so grateful for the visit and we would like to thank the Australian High Commission for their support in funding today’s event with the refreshments offered to our visitors.”
He said it was great for the students to meet a young player like Baselala.
“He is a role model to a lot of our Kaji Rugby players here,” he said.
School’s head boy and Under 14 player, King Ayab Bainivalu thanked the players for visiting their school.
“We often watch these players every Super Rugby season on television but to be able to meet them personally means a lot to us,” he said.
“It means a lot to me personally too because I play rugby and to meet them today is so great.
“When we watch them at home we are always full cheering them on but meeting them in person is just different.”
Melbourne Rebels prop Isaac Kailea said he was happy and excited to be there.
“I love all of your energy,” he told the students.
The Fijian Drua players that were at Draiba were Isikeli Rabitu, Samuela Tawake and Philip Baselala.
The Rooster Chicken Fijiana Drua players included Fulori Naqura, Makereta Tunidau, Laisani Moceisawana, Evivi Senikarivi, Mereoni Nakesa, Jennifer Ravutia, Sera Bolatini, Taraivini Adi and Unaisi Tagabale.
