The Levuka Public School Under-18 girls rugby team is treating the Weet-Bix Raluve Tophy competition as a de­velopment phase.

The Ovalau based- school plays in the Eastern Zone rugby compe­tition.

A school renowned for hockey and netball supremacy, most of its female players have now switched to rugby this year.

Speaking to SUNsports team manager Jovesa Latianara said the young side is still learning.

“About 90 per cent of the girls in this team are 15, 16 and 17-years olds, we only have two 18-year olds,” he said.

“We have set our plans and 2022 is our development year.

“Our structure is to use this season to get more girls into the system, teach them rugby and de­velop their basic skills.

“Development and growth in the game takes time and effort espe­cially for these girls who are new to the sport.

“Our aim is to be fully developed come next year, so expect a strong­er Levuka Public School team from next season.”

Latianara added that his team would have to work on a few areas of play before they face Wainibuka Secondary School, this Saturday.

“Last weekend we were closely beaten by Dawasamu Secondary School 12-7,” he said.

“There’s a lot of learnings from that game and we are working on it.

“We have to work on our 10-metre retreat whenever we are penal­ised.

“Our line-out was a challenge last week so we are working very hard to improve that.

“We were tired because we had travelled (across to Viti Levu) and didn’t rest well.

“Hopefully this week we play at home and that rest is important.

“I believe the only challenge we face are the financial ones but we thank the school and parents for their support.

“We are asking some old scholars and corporate business to sponsor the team.”

Feedback: simione.haravanua@fijisun.com.fj