Ba River dedicates win to late coach, supporter

The AJ Pallets Ba River XV dedicated their Vanua o Ba Cup victory to late coach Gabirieli Walu Ratu and Adrea Walu, father of Fiji men's rugby sevens veteran Waisea Nacuqu.

Ba River defeated Natalecake 27-14 at Vinod Patel Park in Ba last Saturday.

Team manager Kulaiyasi Makauvari said both men had made significant contributions to Ba River rugby.

"We want to remember the sons of Votua, and we aim to win the Vinod Patel Cup," he said.

Mr Makauvari said the committee appointed Nacuqu as player-coach because of his extensive experience.

"Nacuqu brings depth to the team through his experience at the Commonwealth Games, Rugby World Cup Sevens and the Olympic Games," he said.

"He is a humble man who is leading the team through challenges. The team is happy for him, and we fully support him in his role as player-coach. He is one of our own from Votua Village in Ba."

Mr Makauvari said he believed the team's young players had the potential to earn higher honours and secure professional rugby contracts overseas.

"The Ba River team is in a good position at the moment, and we want to continue this momentum," he said.

"We want to keep progressing because some of our young men are already playing in France and other countries."

He said rugby continued to provide opportunities for young people to build meaningful careers.

"Our committee wants to ensure some of our young players can replace those who have represented Fiji in the white jersey.

"We have been informed that several of our players have caught the attention of Ba Rugby and are expected to be included in the extended Skipper Cup squad following last week's match."

Mr Makauvari said he was confident his players would go on to represent Ba Rugby in the Skipper Cup competition.

Ba River has produced several international players, including Flying Fijians centre Josua Tuisova, former Fiji men's sevens forward Pio Tuwai and former Flying Fijians winger Filipo Nakosi.