No Train, No Play
Former Swire Shipping Fijian Drua centre turned winger, Onisi Ratave, could play for the Ram Sami Suva rugby side in Saturday’s INKK Fiji Rugby Farebrother Trophy challenge against holders and hosts, Jack’s Nadi, at Prince Charles Park.
While the Drua players are not allowed to play in the domestic competition, Ratave could feature for the Capital City side since his contract has expired.
Ratave has also secured a new contract with Italy-based club Benetton.
He had signed the contract in February and it is from July 1, 2022 to June 30, 2024.
Ratave could be Suva’s trump card in the double-header clash.
Suva suffered a shock 24-21 loss to Rewa in last Saturday’s Skipper clash at Albert Park while Nadi edged Naitasiri 14-12 to hoist the country’s prestigious rugby title.
Also, Suva could field former Fijian 7s captain, Paula Dranisinukula, prop Penijamini Makutu and robust centre John Stewart, who have returned from peacekeeping duties in the Middle East.
They had been playing for Army Green in the club competition.
When asked yesterday, if Ratave could be a new inclusion to the side, Suva team manager Nemani Tuifagalele neither confirmed nor denied it.
“If Ratave trains, then he may play, all players have to come to the ground for training to be eligible for selection,” Tuifagalele said.
Meanwhile, a circular sent from Fiji Rugby Union tournament director and operations manager, Sale Sorovaki, to all provincial unions stressed the importance of the Drua players not to play in the domestic competition after a hectic Super Rugby Pacific season.
“We received a few queries from unions wanting to use their registered players who are in the Fijian Drua team to play for them during our domestic competitions.”
“Please be advised that FRU is not entertaining any such requests and Unions will be penalised should any Drua player be found playing for any team,” the circular read.
Other Skipper matches on Saturday sees Rewa takes on Northland at Gatward Park, Korovou, Tailevu hosts Nadroga at Ratu Cakobau Park, Nausori while Naitasiri travels to Thomson Park, Navua, to meet Namosi.
Feedback: sereana.salalo@fijisun.com.fj
