Navosa eyes return to top comp

The Navosa women’s team will open their Royal Tea Ranadi Cup campaign against Ovalau today at Buckhurst Park, Suva with one goal in mind.

They hope to earn a promotion back to the Marama Championship.

Navosa Rugby Union president Levi Nayacalevu said the team was well prepared but expected a tough opening-round contest.

“We know Ovalau is a quality team and we respect them. We are ready and looking forward to the challenge,” Nayacalevu said.

He said preparations had gone well, with the squad retaining most of last season’s players.

“Our preparations have been on track and the majority of our players are from last year’s squad.”

Despite their readiness, Nayacalevu said the team had faced several obstacles in the lead-up to the competition.

“Most of our players are students, while others travel from villages spread across Navosa. Funding for our preparations has also been a challenge.”

He said the team’s priority this season was to secure promotion back to the Marama Championship after losing several players to Kadavu Rugby Union.

“Our goal is to qualify for the Marama Championship. We lost a number of players to Kadavu Rugby Union, but we remain confident in the squad we have.”

Despite the challenges, the union has continued to support the team through fundraising efforts.

Nayacalevu also called on supporters to get behind the side.

“I invite the people of Navosa to come to Buckhurst Park and support our team.”