Macuata Rugby Sets Up Player Welfare Unit

The Macuata Rugby Union has set up a Players Welfare Unit to provide fi­nancial assistance for their players leading up to the Vanua Championship, this season.

Union general manager, Saimone Cabeala­wa said: “It is an initiative to support play­ers financially to assist them in looking after their families.”

“Players’ time and effort camping and pre­paring for the Vanua Cup matches, PWU is basically a small token of appreciation thanking players for their efforts to repre­sent the vanua,” he said.

PWU was established two weeks ago follow­ing a proposal by businessman, Ilai Lomalo­ma.

Lomaloma shared ways which players could be monetarily supported.

“To kick start things, fundraisings have been organised for PWU,” he said.

“Players will receive an allowance after the Vanua Cup game.

Lomaloma is the director of the Matata Pro­ductions owner; with the assistance of his wife they have set up a stall to sell food par­cels, MRU tee-shirts and snacks to generate income for the Union.

Lomaloma, 27, is originally from Caka­udrove; he has been closely working with MRU the past few years.

He has set up a social media page inviting other organisations, supporters, families and friends to assist and support MRU.

The Macuata women side participates in the Marama championship.

Service next for Army

The Army rugby side will defend the Ka­tonivere Trophy against Service, this Satur­day.

This was after Army defended the Katoni­vere Trophy after beating Nakama 29-21 at Subrail Park, Labasa, last Saturday.

The third win has earned them $600 so far. A win earns them $200.

Army coach Mikaele Mataka, said the vic­tory was sweet because their game improved when compared to the way they played in the last challenge match against Nubu.

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