Raiwaqa flyers all set for Australian tour

The Raiwaqa Flyers Club will jet out to Australia next week to compete in the pres­tigious State Championship Cup, marking a historic milestone for the community-based touch rugby club.

The competition, which begins early next year, will host some of Australia's elite touch rugby ath­letes, giving the young Raiwaqa squad an invaluable opportunity for international exposure.

Club president Jalesi Young said the tour is especially meaningful as many of the players would be travelling to overseas for the first time, while others have already represented Fiji at regional level.

"Most of the young ones are first­-time travellers, but quite a few have already represented Fiji in the Asia Pacific Junior Competi­tion hosted in Solomon Islands," Young said.

"It is an historic moment for the Raiwaqa Flyers Club to have this opportunity. The event provides a positive impact on the lives of our youths."

Among the travelling squad is vet­eran player and former national skipper Keith Nauluvula, who con­tinues to lead by example. Young said Nauluvula's presence is an inspiration to the younger players, many of whom have grown into leaders within their schools and communities.

"Through touch rugby, we create development programs that pro­vide empowerment and pathways for the younger generation.

"We want them to become lead­ers-whether in school, in the community, or within their fami­lies," he said.

"Raiwaqa has evolved over the years, and through collaboration with other sporting bodies like bas­ketball and rugby, we aim to build the lives of our young people."

The Raiwaqa Flyers men's Open team will be the sole representa­tive from Fiji at the State Champi­onship Cup, making them the first local team to ever participate in the tournament. Young acknowl­edged past executives who laid the foundation for this milestone. "

We recognise those who planted the seed we are here to continue watering it," he said. The Flyers have been compet­ing under a five-year development plan, and are currently in their third year.

The programme has already yielded results, with the team winning back-to-back Suva Touch Association titles. While the immediate goal is to compete strongly in Australia, the club has its sights set on larger as­pirations including the 2028 Touch Rugby World Cup in New Zealand and supporting Fiji's pathway to­wards the sport's anticipated de­but at the 2032 Olympic Games.

Young extended his gratitude to the club's sponsors, supporters, and families both local and abroad who have continued to uplift the team.

"Raiwaqa Flyers is one of the old­est clubs in Fiji, and we continue to stand strong through God's grace. We will keep inspiring and empow­ering the next generation," he said.

The Raiwaqa Flyers depart next week, carrying not just the hopes of their community but also the pride of Fiji as they prepare to compete on one of the sport's big­gest stages.