It was a proud moment for students of Naqali District School on Thursday.

It was a rare occasion to cherish as they host the National Rugby Championships defending champion Perth Spirit.

Isireli Naisarani, who plays No.8 for the Perth Spirit against the Fiji Airways Drua today, led his team to his village and were greeted by screams and cheers from the students followed by dances by women at the village hall.

“It was good to be home where I was brought up. It’s an opportunity for me to give something back to my people, an emotional moment for me,”Naisarani said.

“Being accorded traditional welcoming ceremony and the smiles from the children was special.”

Team official Adam Crane said it was a memorable moment for the Spirit to visit a Fijian school and village.

“This is the first time for us to be in a Fijian village and it’s good to see smiles from these children,”Crane said. We have been told that they do not often get visits from teams so it’s a good experience for us.

“The players are all enjoying being with the children and we look forward to come out with a win against the Fiji Airways Drua.”

Edited by Osea Bola

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