Win lifts Malolo to greater heights

The Tide Tribe Malolo rugby team has defied all odds as they are about to play in their first Skipper Cup semifinal this Saturday.

The Rupeni Nasiga-coached side upset defending champions Cambridge Farms Nadroga 23-22 in their quarterfinal clash at Lawaqa Park, Sigatoka, last Saturday.

The hard fought win has not only electrified supporters but also marked a significant milestone in the Malolo Rugby Union’s (MRU) short but determined journey through Fiji’s top provincial rugby union competition. 

Speaking to SUNsports yesterday, MRU president Ratu Jone Tuilawa expressed pride in the team’s performance as they are now back training for the semifinal against Jack’s Nadi at Suva’s HFC Bank Stadium. 

“We were all very proud of the win,” he said.

“We went in there, we played, and we came out with a win. 

“Since Sunday, we’ve marched back into camp and we’ve been preparing well for the semifinal this week.” 

Ratu Jone confirmed that the squad remains focused and composed ahead of the crucial assignment. 

“The atmosphere in camp is very calm, and the boys are very relaxed. It’s the first time for all of us players and management – to reach this stage in the Skipper Cup,” he said. 

Malolo’s journey is nothing short of remarkable. From battling through the Vodafone Vanua Cup to gaining promotion to the Skipper Cup last year, their goal this season was simply survival in the top tier. 

Malolo head coach Rupeni Nasiga.

Reaching the quarterfinals had already been seen as mission accomplished. 

“Our main target this year was to save Malolo from being demoted. Reaching the quarterfinals meant we had achieved our goal. 

“Now being in the semifinal– it’s unbelievable,” Tuilawa added. 

What makes this achievement even more impressive is the limited structure of the union. With only three executive members– 

Tuilawa and two committee members – the team has operated with minimal resources. 

Support came from the Tide Tribe Fiji, Mamanuca hotels and the Vanua Nasigatoka community, along with spiritual guidance from the ‘Lomanibai ni Lotu e Yaro’ and the pastor’s family who has hosted the team’s camp for the past six months and has been instrumental in Malolo’s campaign. 

“It’s a big achievement for us, and we’ll do our best to maybe get to the final. I thank everybody for their support and look forward to seeing them on Saturday,” Ratu Jone concluded. 

As the underdogs prepare to step onto Suva’s rugby battlefield, Malolo carries with them not just the hopes of their union but the pride of a community that dared to dream.

The match kicks-off at 1pm.