Seven Nadi players preparing for Skipper Cup Premiership competition graduated as Police constables yesterday.

The players received their certificates from Minister for Defence, National Security and Policing Inia Seruiratu during the Fiji Police Force passing out parade at Prince Charles Park, Nadi yesterday.

All of them have been training tirelessly under coach Ilai Derenalagi to take on Yasawa in the 2020 Skipper Cup Premiership at Churchill Park, Lautoka on July 25.

Those who graduated in the Basic Police Recruitment Course includes Simione Tora (prop), Isoa Donaldson (fullback), Kavekini Varo (first five-eighth), Veniona Vuki (flanker), Ron Katonivere (prop), Aporosa Saukuru (locks) and skipper Jolame Luvevou (locks).

Donaldson said they needed to keep the ball rolling and fall back on something after rugby. And graduating as constables and playing rugby simultaneously is a win-win for the players.

“This is a win-win for all of us and we can’t wait to play Yasawa.

“The 2020 Skipper Cup Premiership will be entertaining as there are 7s and overseas-based players involved,” Donaldson said.

“Yasawa may be new to the competition but the squad comprised players who have played in the top tier rugby before.

“We’ve been training well, we’ve our own style of running rugby and it will be put to the good test against Yasawa.”

The 34-year-old has represented Nadi, Suva and Nadroga as well and knows what is expected.

The fullback added that Nadi, playing away from their home turf, should be the team to beat.

“We should exploit the Yasawa defence, that’s the key. It does not matter whether it is a new team or old team it’s done or die. We need to win and set the pace and the boys know we have a job to do.”

The Dratabu, Nadi native made his debut for Nadi Rugby Colts U20 (then U19) and senior side in 2007 -2012.

He then played for Suva (2013), Nadroga (2014) and returned for Nadi in 2015 before moving to play rugby in the US.

“For the last four years I did not play in local competition since I was part of the Fairfield Yankee Rugby Club.

The Fairfield Yankees RFC is a Division II and IV Men’s and Division II Women’s Rugby Club based in Fairfield, Connecticut.

“For the last four years I had club commitment in the US, due to the COVID19 and border/movement restriction. I finally found myself graduating as Police officer after being a special constable since 2012. I feel proud.”

Meanwhile, former Fiji 7s wing Inia Rokomatu also graduated and will play for Yasawa

The Skipper Cup Premiership resumes on July 25 with Nadroga-Suva at Lawaqa Park, Sigatoka, Namosi hosts Tailevu at Thomson Park, Navua, Naitasiri playing Lautoka at Ratu Cakobau Park, Nausori and Nadi vs Yasawa at Churchill Park, Lautoka,

Edited by Osea Bola

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