No special training, treatment, says winning coach

There was no special training or treatment for the Ratu Kadavulevu School (RKS) dream team. 

This was the comment of winning coach, Isaia Naqicatabua, following their historic win, 53-15, against Nasinu Secondary School at the HFC Bank Stadium, Suva. 

He said when these students walked into RKS in 2021 as Year 9s, he set a vision and mission for them when he took charge of team in the Vodafone Deans Trophy competition. 

Naqicatabua added that the RKS’ seven-year drought has been too long for the men from Delainakaikai and it was on them to end it. 

“They have learned a lot in terms of rugby, game management, game skills. There was a lot of effort and thanks to the parents who believed in me. Most school breaks we don’t have holidays, we go around Viti Levu and the islands when they were in Under-16 and 17 grades all for one reason, and that was for Deans,” he said. 

“They wanted to win the Deans for RKS before they leave the gates and they did it.” 

He said the message to the players at half time that scoring 50 points was possible at the Deans final. 

“I told them come next year, I won’t see you here. You’ll be somewhere else, you’ll be out there cheering for your younger brothers so let’s go and make our school and families proud.”

Naqicatabua said the win would not have been possible without their support system. He acknowledged the school administration and the RKS families for always backing their team. 

“I want to thank the old boys, parents and teachers association, the head of schools, the school administration, the families, the parents of the Under-18, the parents of RKS, the neighbouring villages Namena, Nananu, Dawasamu and right up to Bureiwai – Vinaka vakalevu for the support that you’ve been giving us all throughout these years.” 

He said in Term Three it would be about passing their external exams well before they leave RKS.

RKS U18 won $7k prize money.