$170,000 Need

Macuata Rugby Union di­rector performance Joji Vuakaca is calling on the vanua of Caumatalevu and fellow province members living overseas to help them raise $170,000 for next year’s Skipper Cup matches.

“This is for the men’s senior, de­velopment, Under-19 and the wom­en’s matches in 2023,” he said.

Macuata is one of two new clubs promoted to the Fiji Rugby Union’s major union competition next year; the other is Yasawa.

Over the years Macuata has produced players like the late Meliki Baleicakau, late Emosi Tatawaqa, Jope Tuikabe and Orisi Sareki, who have represented Fiji in 15s and 7s rugby.

The list also includes former na­tional rugby triallists Eroni La­tianara and Ratu Maikali Dimuri.

“We are looking at seven away games. Although the parent body (FRU) and sponsors would be as­sisting us financially we are plead­ing to the vanua and others to help us,” he said.

Vuakaca pleaded with the chiefs and district representatives attend­ing the Macuata Provincial Coun­cil meeting early this month to sup­port the provincial team.

“Funds given would not only pay for the players’ accommodation and travel, it would also allow us to give them some extra cash as most of our players are either school dropouts or farmers.

“At the moment, Macuata people living overseas would sponsor each player for every game they play,” he said.

Macuata Suva representative Mo­sese Nakoroi said not every district had been up to date with their levy to the provincial council.

By law, Nakoroi said every indi­vidual registered under the ‘Vola Ni Kawa Bula’ (VKB) needs to pay their provincial levy.

“I would like to urge representa­tives from each district to give their dues to the provincial office because this will help us to fund projects and assist the Macuata rugby teams. Districts not paying their dues are riding free on ser­vices provided by the provincial office,” he said.

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