Play with Pride, PM tells Fijiana XV players

Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka urged the Vodafone Fijiana XVs side to play with pride and passion when they take on the Wallaroos on March 27 at GIO Stadium, Canberra.

The side will leave tomorrow to challenge the Vuvale Cup.

Rabuka said while the pace of the game may have changed the pride of rugby still remains.

“We may not be very fast during our time. When I see how other players of today run, they will probably think we were crawling around in those days,” Rabuka said during the presentation of the team’s i-tatau.

“Every time you put your hand on the symbol, right above your heart – give it all you have.

“Remember, you’re carrying 920,800 people. That’s the population of Fiji. Not a million yet. But all of us are cheering for you. We are gunning for you; we are praying for you.”

The Fijiana side is laced with both young and seasoned players.

New faces on the side includes Fijiana 7s’ Silika Qalo, Adi Keri Lawavou and Elesi Rotabaiwalu.

Senior players include Sulita Waisega, Keleni Marawa and Karalaini Naisewa.

The side will be captained by Bitila Tawake.