My boys gave their all: Coach

Ratu Navula College (RNC) will face Queen Victoria School (QVS) in the Under-14 final of the Vodafone Fiji Secondary Schools Rugby Union Super Deans Championship at the National Stadium, Suva, on Saturday.

The Nadi-based school booked a spot in the final after edging Ratu Kadavulevu School (RKS) 26-25 in a thrilling semi-final at Churchill Park, Lautoka, last Saturday.

RNC U14 coach Viliame Vuetaki said the victory against one of Fiji’s traditional rugby powerhouses was a major achievement for his young side.

“To share the field with RKS, who are the giants of the Deans Trophy, was already a big deal for us, but to win was a bonus,” Vuetaki said.

He said the team had improved considerably since the opening round and would approach the final against QVS with the same mindset.

“We will give it a try, just like every other game. We will move slowly, stay focused and try to carry that momentum into the final.”

Vuetaki said the U14 competition was an important stepping stone for young players aspiring to progress through Fiji’s rugby pathways.

“The main emphasis for these boys is the Deans Trophy. If they are serious about rugby, they need to do well at the Under-14 level and hold on to that interest as they move forward.”

Vuetaki added that many of his players had grown up watching RKS in their famous yellow and blue colours on television.

“Stepping onto the field against QVS is different. Just sharing the field with a champion side is already something special for these boys. Nothing is guaranteed against QVS, but we expect a good game.”

Vuetaki praised his players for their determination and thanked the chiefs and communities of the vanua o Nadi, Nawaka and Betoraurau for their support.

“The boys are only 14, but they gave everything. We are thankful to have come this far, and their supporters will give them another morale boost in the final,” he said.