PORT VILA, 15 MAY 2020 (VANUATU DAILY POST) – The COVID-19 has affected sporting activities this year which includes local competition and training and rugby is one of them.
Now that the restrictions are lifted and sporting activities have normalised the Vanuatu Rugby Union president John Miller Kalo said one of their agenda during their council meeting tomorrow would be revising their 2020 planner.
“This year our plans was having 7s tournaments to start the season starting from February in all public holidays and after the 7s season we go straight to 15s season.
“In between the tournament we will have referee refresher course and schools rugby. Four schools have been participating with us Malapoa College, Lycee, Central and Epauto High School.
“Now since this COVID 19 crisis has stopped us from our first plan but we are hoping to have a tournament during the Independence Day celebration,” Kalo said.
VRU has been seeking advice from VASANOC regarding their competitions.
“Rugby is a contact sport and maintaining 2m distancing is not possible so we are getting advice from VASANOC.”
Kalo has given his assurance to rugby union fraternity.
“Athletes are doing their best,executives are doing their best as soon as we get the green light from VASANOC we can kick off tournament
When contacted VASANOC Chief Executive Officer Henry Tavoa clearly stated that it is VRU decision to make.
”If it is to start their competitions or training that is VFRU business/discretion not VASANOC’s.
“VANGOV/NDMO already said OK. It’s up to each NF to decide when, where and how,” Tavoa said.
Meanwhile, Development is an essential area of sport in order for sports to grow and getting in right accredited people will be a bonus for the sport.
After a lapse of 3 years not having a development officer Vanuatu Rugby Union will be recruiting a development officer that will be in charge of development programmes in the country.
Development is one bigger issue for VRU having their four-year funding from World Rugby decreased for the last World Cup cycle.
VRU president John Miller Kalo confirms that VASANOC have approved funding for development officer allowances and they are just preparing few documents to submit to VASANOC.
“We are grateful that VASANOC has approved the funding and there are some paper work procedures we have to complete in order to get that funding released.”
VASANOC Chief Executive Officer Henry Tavoa reiterated that funding has been approved for VRU and they are waiting for the Union council to update their membership with the national Olympic body.
“They need to update their membership with VASANOC first at this stage, they’re only FINANCIAL members but not FULL member yet.
“But yes funding has been confirmed but waiting for their paper work for membership,” Tavoa said.
Kalo confirmed they have received an application from an interested candidate but will be confirmed following tomorrow’s meeting.
“We will have to get the club reps to agree and we will call the applicant,” he added.
“I’m happy and I’m looking forward to have a development officer, as soon as we send the forms then we will start.”
VRU are preparing their documents for World Rugby funding for 2021-2024.
The documents will be submitted to Oceania rugby who will then vet the application before producing to World Rugby.
President Kalo is calling on clubs to get themselves organise and co-operate with the Union council.
“The main problem we have been experiencing is that the council is set up but the clubs they are not properly set up, they do not have proper coaches, they don’t have sponsors that is why the players are running all over the place.
“VRU council we our programme and we are elected into this council, the power rest on president’s of each club if they don’t do their job then they have the power to remove us and appoint new executives but if they don’t do anything to assist us then we will not move.
“Friday meeting we talk about the plans,” Kalo added.
