Students of Naitasiri Secondary School must do well academically if they are to represent the school in the Voda­fone Fiji Secondary Schools Rugby Union competition, where the prestigious Deans Trophy is at stake.

The move was orchestrated by the school’s rugby team management before the South­ern Zone competition got underway.

Naitasiri Secondary School rugby team manager Timoci Lagilevu said they had stressed the importance of education to the students and they agreed to what was put to them.

“It doesn’t matter if you are a star player, if your academic work is not good, you’re not playing,” Lagilevu said.

“At NSS education is important and these players have to learn to balance school and sports.

“We know that not everyone will join the Flying Fijians, Fijiana or Fiji Bati team so education is their back-up.

“It’s simple, if your school work is good with good grades you get to play, if not we will have to sit you out.”

Lagilevu added that their biggest challenge is for players to get game time.

“In our first game we were supposed to meet John Wesley but unfortunately they didn’t turn up and we won by default,” he said.

“We were supposed to play against Marist Brothers High School but unfortunately they have postponed it twice.

“We had a friendly match against Ratu Ka­davulevu School in Naluwai last week.

“We invited them because these boys haven’t had any game time since the compe­tition started.

“RKS won 7-0 and that’s a good sign for us moving forward in the Southern Zone.”

Lagilevu said catering for their travelling expense is another hurdle they face almost on a weekly basis.

“Finance is a challenge especially bringing the students down to Suva and back every Saturday.

“Then we have to take care of their meals, straps and other small logistics.

“We have a player that will be part of our athletics team for the Coke Games.

“That player has changed camps as he joined the athletics team preparing for the Games this weekend.

“After the Coke Games, he will join us again. So we’re hoping that he’s not in­jured.”

Lagilevu said Fijian born- France centre, Virimi Vakatawa, presented the team’s jer­sey and his presence lit up the players faces.

“He encouraged the boys to keep working hard and keep believing in God.

“It gave these boys a big boost letting them know that rugby can provide for them if they work hard.”

Feedback: simione.haravanua@fijisun.com.fj