Partnership boosts grassroots rugby

Ba Rugby union (BRU) Secretary Gaby Kautoga described their partnership with Indian Premier League 7s champions Chennai Bulls as crucial in their 2026 season.

This is after the Ben Gollings coached team will conduct a 7s coaching clinic for Ba’s junior players at Ba Methodist High School ground tomorrow.

The clinic will be followed by the team training session in preparation for the McDonald’s Coral coast Fiji 7s this weekend.

“It’s something great and big for 2026 having this partnership with Chennai Bulls,” Kautoga said.

“We are thinking of getting a sevens programme this year but with Chennai Bulls coming in is a big boost and two of our players will play with the club.”

Kautoga added that the Chennai Bulls team will lead a 7s coaching clinic with Ba rugby U12, U14. U16 and U18.

“They will have a scrimmage with our U18 boys. We are excited and are looking forward to it,” he said.

“Ba is well-known for the Indo-Fijian, and this partnership will boost the Indo-Fijian community.”

Kautoga said Ba is known as the football crazed town, and the partnership could influence renewed interest.

“This exchange would boost the Indo Fijian community to try rugby, and the sport can take an individual to another level,” he said.

“We’re working closely with Chennai Bulls and some of our players will join them to help with exchange programmes such as education and academies.”

Kautoga indicated that releasing their players to play sevens rugby during the offseason is a great program for their union.

“Some have joined the Ravuka sharks’ team and we encourage our boys to play but we have a good platform with the Chennai Bulls,” he said.

“I know that it’s a good exposure for our players in terms of player development.”

Ba Rugby duo Ponipate Bacaivalu and Meli Tuvusa is set to feature for the Chennai Bulls in the Coral coast Fiji 7s tournament this weekend.

“Chennai Bulls is just the first one, but we are looking forward to another two or three coming in just to partner with us with our academy this year,” Kautoga said.

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