Nadroga Clean-Up
A senior official yesterday confirmed with Sunsports that NRU was hopeful in retaining its glory with the changes made by the executive board recently.
Wednesday 16 March 2022 | 13:08
The Nadroga Rugby Union is undergoing changes to turn around its dismal performance in the last two seasons.
A senior official yesterday confirmed with Sunsports that NRU was hopeful in retaining its glory with the changes made by the executive board recently.
“Change is necessary to get us back on track as the dominating union in Fiji,” the senior official said.
“Esala Nauga (inset 1) has resigned from his position as head coach along with his management,” he said.
“Etonia Naba (inset 2) is now the interim coach as we need to prepare for the Skipper Cup and challenge match.
“The clean-up is part of the NRU board’s plan to return the local rugby holy grail (INNK Fiji Rugby Farebrother trophy) to its rightful place at Talenavuruvuru, Lawaqa.”
Nauga and Naba could not be reached for comment yesterday.
Nadroga hosts Tailevu on Saturday for the Skipper Cup. Should Naitasiri retain the INNK Fiji Rug-by Farebrother trophy from Na-mosi this weekend, Nadroga heads into the double header against the former, the following week.
The once dominant union president Tiko Matawalu had resigned two years ago to take up the posi-tion of Development Officer at the Rugby House.
“While the former sevens rep Naba is now interim coach, the challenge to take up the top job is tougher than expected.
“Whoever takes up the job needs to put Nadroga back on track.
“Nadroga has produced exciting world class players who are now playing around the globe playing semi-professional and professional rugby.”
Nadroga had held the local premier trophy (Farebrother Sullivan Cup) for a record 81 times since its inception in 1954.
Those 81 wins included an un-broken 20 consecutive wins in the 1970s.
The last time Nadroga held the prestigious trophy was in 2020 when Namosi wrestled it from their grip.
The Stallions also held the Fiji Rugby Union Cup (under various sponsorship names) a record 19 times.
Nadroga has undisputedly contributed the highest number of rugby players to the national 15s and 7s teams compared to other un-ions under the FRU umbrella.
Household names like Batibasaga, Nadruku, Erenavula, Tanivula, Na-tuiyaga, Nalaga, Naivua. Nahiga, Volavola, Lutumailagi, Vucago, Na-holo, Sauvoli, Nasove are products of the NRU to mention a few.
Their junior grades (U20 & U21) are equally successful.
