Labasa College targets next level
Labasa College had achieved the goal they had set at the start of the season despite their loss in the Under-16 play-off
Tuesday 04 August 2026 | 11:00
Labasa College Under-16 rugby team at Suva Grammar School grounds on August 1, 2026.
Photo: Sereana Salalo-Baleiwai
Despite falling short in the Vodafone Deans Under-16 play-offs, Labasa College has achieved the goal they had set at the start of the season.
This was the view of Labasa College head coach Ropate Fotofili.
The Northerners lost 7-39 to Suva Grammar School on Saturday.
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He said Grammar gave his side the type of game they need to adapt to, if they are to go to the next level.
“Our target was to reach the national elimination level and we got here,” Fotofili said.
“Size wise we were not there as well as strength wise. We were beaten in the scrums and lineouts. It will be back to the drawing board for us to work on our strengths and weaknesses.”
Fotofili applauded the review of the competition’s Terms of Participation (TOP), which allowed six guest players to represent another team within their zone.
“We don’t have the luxury of players, and this new rule is beneficial for us small schools in the North,” he said. Labasa College registered three players from Seaqaqa Central College, two from All Saints Secondary School and one from Khalsa College.
“We must do a lot of gym work to match the schools here in Suva. We would like to start our off-season training early.”
Fotofili thanked the teachers, parents, and old scholars for their support.
Following the match, they were accorded a i vakamamaca by the parents of the Suva Grammar School Under-16 team and were also hosted to lunch by the Grammarians.
