Nadi rugby brings back original emblem and jersey colours

The Nadi Rugby Union has opted to revert to its original emblem, which contains its native bird Kitou (known in the Nawaka dialect as tutuwi).

The NRU has done away with the logo they had adopted a few years back of a jet circumnavigating a rugby ball.

NRU president Api Naevo told SUNsports yesterday that it was not his decision but of the committee, which was raised and passed during one of their union meetings.

“A lot of people have been asking that question of why we’ve changed our emblem?” he said.

“There are reasons for it. It brings back the memories of that era, where players played (for Nadi) with great pride.” 

Historically, in the early rugby days, players from Nadi would join Lautoka to form the Northern Districts rugby union team, which played in the then local rugby championship.

Naevo said former players who played their hearts out for the vanua o Nadi during their glory days had called for the return of the original emblem. 

“The Nadi business houses also supported the idea since the logo had a greater meaning and impact on the players. Therefore, we are upholding the old emblem. During my days, I also played for Nadi under that emblem. Nadi has a proud and rich history of rugby,” the former Flying Fijians lock said.

Nadi Rugby logo

Nadi over the years has produced rugby stars like Ratu Josateki Savou, Vuate Naresia, Peniame Naresia, Jona Qoro, Samisoni Viriviri, Taniela Nayate, Belasio Vukiwai, Sainivalati Laulau, Serupepeli Tuvula, Peni Voalvola, Epeli Turuva, Manasa Qoro, Peceli Gale, Solo Rasolea, Esala Labalaba, Savenaca Aria, Norman Ligairi, Laisenia Kato, Sanivalati Laualau, Sami Rabaka, Kitione Salawa (Sr), Asaeli Hughes, Marika Korovou, Dan Rouse, Tomasi Naidole and the legendary Joe Levula.

“When Nadi broke away from the Northern District in the 1940s they formed the Caucaunitoba rugby club, which had the same emblem. The Kitou was a native bird of Nadi, it gave us a lot of pride to play for that jersey.

“Today, (like before) if a player wants to represent Nadi, they have to first play in our club games. Then they progress to the Nadi Concorde side before playing for the Nadi senior team. We have good young players coming up the ranks,” Naevo said.

In the second round of the Skipper Cup Nadi hosts Macuata at Prince Charles Park on Friday at 3pm.