The future of Nadi Jets looks brighter after the team reaped the rewards of hard­work and dedication.

Nadi Rugby Union president Mataiasi Nabau said this year is a time to reflect on a year of remark­able success for Nadi.

Last week NRU celebrated Nadi Jets’ achievements and highlighted achievements at the Nadi Rugby Awards. “It has indeed been a won­derful year. We have many reasons to celebrate,” he said.

“From the foundation laid in 2018 we continue to refine our processes and have started to reap the re­wards from 2019.”

History

Since their last major victory in 2008, Nadi made a clean sweep of all the provincial rugby titles that were up for grabs.

And then Nadi rugby hit a plateau and did not progress which almost resulted in the demotion of the union in 2018 to the Vanua rugby competition – the lower rank of pro­vincial rugby competition in the country.

The Nadi Jets had to fight tooth and nail against Suva in the last Skipper Cup game of 2018, which was played at Churchill Park Lau­toka.

To secure a one point bonus loss to secure their sixth place finish on the points standing avoided demo­tion to the B- division rugby.

This was a turning point for Nadi rugby union – as put in place by the systems and processes that will ensure the scenario experienced in 2018 not repeated.

“I am proud to say that our system works and it is evident with this year’s achievements, which have been celebrated as a one-big rugby family,” Nabau added.

“I have great confidence that the future of Nadi rugby is brighter than ever.

“To all our team management and players who have proudly repre­sented us this season, thank you for a job well done on your achieve­ments,” he said.

Nadi Rugby Union president Mataiasi Nabau. Photo: Waisea Nasokia

Reflecting on the success of vari­ous teams in this season, three out of five were winners.

These are the senior men – win­ner of the Skipper Cup, Develop­ment, Under 19 men – winner and the Senior Women and Women U19 (Raluve) – winner.

Nadi Rugby Union

The Union is focused on capacity building within the union through the education of coaches, manag­ers and support staff to ensure they attain the relevant World Rugby accreditations to help them deliver effectively in their roles.

Their senior men’s team coach­es hold World Rugby level three coaching accreditation – the high­est accreditation level recognised under the Fiji rugby union.

In addition, their other coaches hold World Rugby level two coach­ing accreditation, while some of the team managers have been ac­credited with the National Team Manager Certification framework under (FASANOC) and the Oce­ania National Olympic Committee (ONOC).

Feedback: waisean@fijisun.com.fj