Players Groomed for Better Opportunities

Raiwasa Taveuni rugby team has prepared well for the Fiji Bitter Nawaka Sevens tournament that kicks off this morning at Prince Charles Park, Nadi.

The side lost to Fire in the quarterfinals of the Nahehevia 7s last week, players are hopeful in performing better at the Nawaka outing.

Coach Eneriko Cicila said the team has prepared well and is looking to progress further to the semi-final.

“We have a team full of young players who are confident of showcasing a better performance this weekend,” Cicila said.

“Most of these players are farmers who are blessed with rugby talent and skills.”

Cicila said they faced a few financial difficulties in their preparation phase.

Samurai rugby club from Japan with the Tui Nawaka Ratu Joeli Naevo at Nawaka Village in Nadi on February 14, 2024. The club will play in the main competition of the two-day Fiji Bitter Nawaka Sevens tournament that starts today. Photo: Nawaka Rugby

“We have more talent back in the islands, but we lack the funds to bring them over to Viti Levu,” he said.

“We have a few players who are from Viti Levu; we are glad to include some players from Raiwasa for this tournament.

“We lacked possession in our quarter-final clash against Fire which was our downfall and we have been working in that area during training.

“The team’s biggest strength is team unity.”

Management has taken clips of the players’ performances to assist them secure national and overseas opportunities.

“These players can go on to represent the national teams and overseas clubs to support their families,” he said.

“I usually tell these boys to treat rugby as a career and commit to the sport for them to gain an income out of it rather than just playing for the sake of it.”

Cicila had urged the fans of Raiwasa Taveuni to come in numbers at Prince Charles Park in Nadi.

The Fiji Bitter Nawaka 7s tournament kicks off today and ends tomorrow.

Admisson: Day 1 – Adults $7, children $5; Day 2 – Adults $10, children $5.

Story by: ioane.asioli@fijisun.com.fj  

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