The 2019 ANZ Ratu Sukuna Bowl challenge was officially launched at Nasova, Suva yesterday.

As a tradition for the annual clash between the Fiji Police Force and the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF), set for November 22 at the ANZ Stadium, it started with an open challenge.

RFMF Chief of Staff Captain (Navy) John Fox said 2019 is RFMF’s year to win the prestigious Sukuna Bowl.

But Assistant Commissioner of Police Rusiate Tudravu said the RFMF need to learn from the 47-17 loss last year.

“This is our year, I’ve done this twice before and both times we won. This is the third time and I know we will win this year,” Fox said.

“No matter what we say, it all matters on the day. Our warriors will be out fighting for us and everything depends on them.

“Police are currently the defending champions and it’s time for the trophy to return to its rightful owners at the Queen Elizabeth Barracks. We’ve already have a silver tanoa up at QEB.

“Even Though the Sukuna Bowl is made of wood, it is still gold to us.

“We need to take it back, polish it as we are the rightful owners.

“As owners of the trophy we always give our Police brothers to look after it for awhile.”

ACP Tudravu said they will go in as underdogs.

“We are the defending champions but will go in as the underdogs as the RFMF are the world champions having won the International Defence Force Rugby Competition in Japan,” he said.

“But they say Las Vegas is Las Vegas, Japan is Japan; Fiji is Fiji, Sukuna is Sukuna. I would like to remind RFMF to learn from last year’s loss.

“Don’t let the 41-17 defeat last year to haunt you again this year and I know you have learned from it.

“They say those who do not learn from the past are condemned to repeat it.

“If you won’t take my brotherly advice then history will repeat itself when the sun sets and the dust settles at the ANZ Stadium on November 22.”

Edited by Leone Cabenatabua

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