The Bua Invitational 7s tournament officials received a sponsorship of $13,350 from Lyndhurst Limited in Valelevu, Nasinu yesterday.

This has boosted the two-day tournament which starts at Bua College grounds tomorrow. The tournament also includes youth and women sevens rugby competition as well.

Lyndhurst along with the Kookai brand and Katalyst Charitable Trust have partnered to back the tournament.

Lyndhurst Limited’s chief operating officer Carol Watkins said this is Katalyst Charitable Trust founder and Bua man Rob Cromb’s commitment to assist communities there.

“This is part of his corporate social programme as Cromb founded the Katalyst Charitable Trust Fiji in 2012 in which he has invested considerable personal resources. The trust also assists in building homes, churches and schools where needed.

“It also sponsors education and do training to assist government through public private partnership on certain essential projects as well as providing basic needs and better quality health services to villages in the Northern division,” she said.

Watkins added that they were grateful to sponsor the tournament.

“As part of our commitment towards the development of youths in the area, Kookai and the Katalyst Foundation are proud to partner with Island Breeze Rugby Plus in sponsoring the inaugural 2017 Bua Invitational Rugby 7s tournament,” she added.

Bua Invitational 7s tournament chairman Luke Naitaka and wife Elenoa started the tournament in partnership with Island Plus Rugby who will look after the operation and organising of the tournament.

The couple had returned into the country after spending 12 years in South Africa when they worked with the United Nations and believes in assisting the unfortunates.

“This is the first time for us to organise this tournament, it was born when we were in Africa for 12 years as we always do this in Africa in helping the unfortunate people. We are also grateful to Rugby Plus for assisting us,” Naitaka said.

Over the years Bua have produced top rugby 7s stars like Timoci Wainiqolo, Seru Rabeni, Rupeni Caucaunibuca, William Ryder, Ilai Tinai and Savenaca Rawaca.

They are expecting all the 14 districts of Bua to be at the Bua College grounds tomorrow and compete competitively.

Men’s Pools:

Pool A- Vuya, Nasavu, Navunievu, Nawaca

Pool B- Nasolo, Evergreen Bro, Nasau, Waikona Pool C- Nagadoa, Bua-Lomanikoro, Kubulau, Kookai

Pool D- Combined Bro, Dama, Nabouwalu, Nawailevu

Pool E- Army Bua, Borderline, Tavulomo, Navave

Youth Pools:

Pool A- Nasolo, Bua Lomanikoro, Baravi, Evergreen Brothers

Pool B- Nasavu, Dama, Combined Brothers, Naruwai

Pool C- Nagadoa, Vuya, Wairiki, FNU Nawaca

Pool D- Solevu ICC, All Nations, Nawailevu, Nasau

Women:

ICC Solevu, FNU Nawaca, Dama, Nasolo