Sponsorship Boost For Lakeba Rugby
DXC (Dynamic Extreme Concept) sponsored-Lakeba Rugby Club is ready to make their historic debut in the 2022 Suva Rugby Union’s Koroturaga Shield competition. The club consist of players from provinces around the country and those from the island of Lakeba in Lau.
Lakeba has produced some of the international rugby players like Ilisoni Taoba who played for the Flying Fijians that beat the British Lions in 1977, Simon Raiwalui, former Flying Fijians captain, Akapusi Qera, Sunia Koto, Henry Qiodravu, Jikoibau Matawalu along with Sefanaia Naivalu who played for the Australian Wallabies and Melbourne Rebels in Super Rugby.
The club yesterday received a major boost ahead of their season debut from Dynamic Extreme Concept (DXC) who handed them their first merchandise and kit at Albert Park conference room in Suva.
Speaking to SUNsports team manager Roko Suweni said the club has bigger plans for the future.
“Our goal is to win the Koroturaga Shield this season,” he said.
“The long term goal is to win the Escott Shield and play amongst the big boys in the Suva Rugby Union roster. This is the ninth week of our training and everything is starting to shape up well ahead of our first game. We have had trial matches against Eastern Saints and Marist.”
Lakeba is known for producing some of the country’s top cricketers and boxers.
In cricket, they had the likes of Peni Dakai, Suliasi Naulivou, Ilikena Bula, Taione Batina and the list goes on. In boxing it was Alipate Korovou, the only Fijian boxer to win the Commonwealth title, former heavyweight champion Sunia Cama, Kamisese Vaubula, Vereniki Raiwalui, Atama Matauloki, Isimeli Lesi, Koroi Vodo and so on.
Suweni said this is a historic moment for the club because this is the first ever team from Lau to play in the competition.
“We were inspired by the Moala rugby sevens team that played in the Super Sevens Series last season.
“We’ve received our first ever rugby jersey thanks to DXC for their support in making it happen. This is a new team, with a new perspective for the young players from Lakeba and other provinces.
“Our doors are open for players who wish to join the club.”
He added that the journey won’t be easy during the SRU competition.
“I believe in my coaching staff, because we believe in grassroots rugby. The Lakeba Youth Club is the parent club for Lakeba Rugby Club.”
The team will be playing in today’s Suva Rugby’s 10s competition.
Feedbacks: simione.haravanua@fijisun.com.fj
