From left; Ba Rugby Union secretary Solomone Vakanawa, president Napolioni Noco and Mahendra Bilimoria handing over the trophy in Ba on February 21,2018. Photo: Ba Rugby
Being in Ba for the past 65 years, businessman Mahendra Bilimoria believes on the importance of supporting rugby in his hometown.
On Wednesday, he donated trophies to the Ba Rugby Union as prizes for the first round of their 10s competition which will be held at the Ba Market ground tomorrow.
“I believe it was only fair that I help them with the game they love,” he told SUNsports yesterday.
“I want to see rugby in Ba grow to be like what soccer has become for this district and also see more players reach national level.”
Ba Rugby secretary Solomone Vakanawa has welcomed the timely assistance.
“We are grateful to Bilimoria for coming in and donating the trophies which will motivate other teams from villages to come in and participate in this 10s tournament,” Vakanawa said.
“For this tournament we are encouraging young players to come in and participate.”
The 10s competition will assist the selection committee to select the BRU team for the Vodafone Vanua challenge season. The registration fees is $50 per team.
“We’re calling on all teams from villages in Ba to come in, compete and showcase their skills,” he said.
Ba were runners up in the Under-20 grade for the finals of the Vodafone Vanua Championship last year.
Over the years Ba has produced prominent national rugby players with the likes of No.8 Isikeli Cagilaba, winger Filimoni Delasau, Gabirieli Naborisi, Fijian 7s off-loader Pio Tuwai, current Fiji Airways Fijian 7s halfback Waisea Nacuqu and robust Toulon winger Josua Tuisova along with brother, Filipo Nakasi who is currently playing wing for Agen in France.
Edited by Leone Cabenatabua
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