Ex-Star Reps Behind Malolo

Five former Fiji and Nadroga star players are the coaching think tank behind the Tide Tribe Malolo rugby team that has made it to tomorrow’s Skipper Cup semifinal against Jack’s Nadi at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva.

These former players are Malolo head coach Rupeni Nasiga along with the co-coaches of Jiuta Lutumailagi, Jone Qovu, Josefa Domolailai and Setefano Somoca.

This was confirmed yesterday to SUNsports by Malolo Rugby Union president Ratu Jone Tuilawa.

Under their leadership, the team adopted the motto- ‘Small Boys, Big Job’.

This, Ratu Jone said, captures the essence of Malolo Rugby’s spirt.

“Despite limited resources, smaller squad members and the challenges of island life, the team continue to prove that passion and hard work can overcome any obstacle,” he said.

“The current squad is made-up of young talented players. The oldest player is Aporosa Tabulawaki, while the youngest is 19-year-old Tevita Ledua, a former Ratu Kadavulevu School student who has impressed everyone by starting in several major matches. His performance symbolises the team’s faith in youth development and the future of rugby in the island.” 

Ratu Jone said despite the financial challenges, the MRU continues to prioritise player welfare through weekly sponsorship drives and strong community support. 

“We normally do our player sponsorship every week,” Ratu Jone said.

“We thank all individuals and sponsors who have supported the boys, especially during the player’s welfare time. Even if some weeks we don’t get the expected amount, we’re always grateful to those who step forward.” 

The task, Ratu Jone says, is the need to raise approximately $5000 weekly to support the players’ welfare, which sometimes is through jersey number sponsorships. During weeks when sponsors fall short, management ensures that the players are still taken care of. 

“When the boys return home after weeks of camp and training, we make sure they don’t go back empty-handed. It’s our way of showing appreciation for their commitment and sacrifice,” Ratu Jone added. 

Tide Tribe remains the major sponsor of the Malolo rugby team, with additional help coming from a mix of local businesses and in-kind contributions. While not every sponsor can cover all needs, their support is vital. 

Hotels in the Mamanuca group have been instrumental through in-kind donations, particularly by contributing meals and essentials to support the team during their camps. 

The list of sponsors so far this year includes: Vunabaka Company, Six Senses Fiji, Raffle Gateway, CCG Company, KK Hardware Limited, Malolo Cat and Dominion Construction New Zealand. 

“We will do our best to qualify for the Skipper Cup final, with the hope of making our sponsors and supporters who will be at the game proud,” added Ratu Jone.

Meanwhile, the Nadi rugby team had their jersey presentation at Saunaka Village Hall last night.

Nadi will be without No.8 Elia Canakaivata who flew out with the Flying Fijians for the Europe tour. However, Nadi will await the assessment of their medical team to determine whether Kitione Salawa recovers from a hamstring injury. The Jetsetter will leave for Suva this morning. The match kicks-off at 1pm.

LINE-UP

Malolo- 1. Josevata Natoga, 2. Amasa Tamanigaunavou, 3. Meli Kurisaru, 4. Peniasi Ratu, 5. Isaia Rugu, 6. Imanueli Bari (captain), 7. Vilikesa Kurubola, 8. Aminiasi Naituyaga, 9. Simeli Karacia, 10. Viliame Nalolo, 11. Pita Kameli, 12. Joseva Tamata, 13. Esala Nalobo, 14. Tomasi Tawake, 15. Douglas Daveta. Bench: 16. Apisai Neimila, 17. Kitione Vosailagi, 18. Wame Waqanaceva, 19. Penaia Masikula, 20. Semisi Lave, 21. Tevita Ledua, 22. Aporosa Tabulawaki, 23. Kaliova Senibalolo.