New Players For Nadi Blazers
The Vasemaca Vunisa skippered Nadi Blazers women’s rugby team is preparing well for the Mana Whey Fiji Coral Coast 7’s.
The team will compete in the Na Iri Trophy competition at Lawaqa Park, Sigatoka on January 17-20.
Some of their players will play for the Nadi Aviators 7s team who will also compete in the annual event.
“We are carrying the underdog tag with a new squad since eight of the girls departed to join Nadi Aviators 7s,”Co-coach Trevor Cleary said.
“But that should affect the team performance.
“Seventy per cent of the players are new with their ages ranging from 16 and 17. We believe in developing players for the national team.
“This will be our fourth Mana Whey Coral Coast 7s and we have reached the quarter-finals and semi-finals.” Winger Marica Duaka, a former Ratu Navula College sprinter and Livia Lutunasiga, who plays for Lautoka Crusaders Rugby League are two of their key players.
The side also includes 13-year old Nadi U14 Kaji rugby rep Christina Prasad. Also in the fold are Limaina Wai, former Marist Seahawks stalwart Lela Tuivanuavou and Fijiana Liti Lawedrau who plays centre and will wear the vice-captain armband.
The side is trained by Nadi Airport Rugby coach Wise Vucago since last month. He thanked their traditional sponsors Selva Tours, Radisson Blu, Martintar Laundrymat, and Pacific Fitness for their support.