Buduka Reef Cowboys set for debut

The Eparama Mafi-coached Buduka Reef Cowboys aim to prove a point when they make their debut at the Fiji Bitter Nawaka 7s at King Charles Park in Nadi today.

The side is in pool four with Kasa-bias Village Boys, RKSOB and Nauru Blue.

Team manager Tomasi Sanavanua said the side features youths from Namotomoto and Navoci village in Nadi.

“It was established in November 2025 with the vision to guide youths away from reckless activities,” Sanavanua said.

He thanked team management members Filimoni Mau, Rusi Saukuru, Miji Lotawa and Kavekini Varo, who have played rugby and represented the Nadi Rugby Union.

“We are nurturing grassroots talent and uplifting local communities through rugby. We want to give back to our community.

“We were once in the same situation as some of these youths before rugby opened greater opportunities for us in employment and business.

Some of these youths were loitering on the streets and around liquor shops. We want to make a difference and believe they can become better before it is too late.

The team has so far featured in four rugby seven tournaments in the Western Division.

The team has collaborated with Nakovacake Development Trust, who is working with them to create jobs for the players to sustain their journey.

Sanavanua said apart from rugby, players were also taught spiritual values to strengthen their faith.

The team also acknowledged major sponsor El Shaddai Tours and Cakautabu Enterprise Transfer, as well as support from the Tokalauvere family (Cavu Turaga) in the United States and Benji Malimali in New Zealand.