Rugby is a sport that not only brings people from various backgrounds together but is a platform to educate players on social issues.

These were the sentiments shared by Wailevu Rugby Club manager Tomasi Navulalevu who organised a consultation for his players with the Ministry of Youth and Sports permanent secretary Alison Burchell at the Police Hall in Samabula yesterday.

“Most of the boys who are part of the club come from the interior of Naitasiri and they are not aware of the laws or about the problems such as drug abuse,” Navulalevu said.

“As a club, we want to ensure that our players do not stray away and stay focused and not be influenced by things that can spoil their future.”

Navulalevu said they would use rugby as a platform to educate and spread the word to keep the youths informed.

“Rugby brings everyone together and I think it is the perfect way to ensure that the word gets out there,” he said.

“Most of these players are from Nawaisomo, Wairuarua, Nakida and Dreketi and if we educate them it is no doubt they will spread the word when they go back to their villages and that is how we can develop the sport and the players not just on the field but off it as well.”

Burchell also pushed the issue of sports being platform to combat non-communicable diseases (NCD).

“In South Africa where I come from, there is a village in the interior where old women put down their sticks and play rugby,” Burchell said.

“When you take part in these kinds of sports, there will be body movement, the muscles will stretch and slowly there won’t be a need for walking sticks anymore.

“I read that 147 people for every 100,000 deaths are by diabetes in Fiji; if we can watch what we eat and take part in sports we would be able to decrease this.

“Sports keep us busy and keeps us away from things that bring negativity into our lives.”

Edited by Leone Cabenatabua

Feedback: justine.mannan@fijisun.com.fj