Suva Rugby on the go
The Suva Rugby Union (SRU) named a strong 65-member extended squad that will be undergoing six weeks of block training.
SRU assistant coach Jope Tuikabe said they would be going through a series of maximum strength and conditioning together with skills enhancement during that period.
“These will be followed by three weeks of putting patterns together and two pre-season games as we head towards the 2018 Skipper Cup season,” Tuikabe said.
SRU head coach and Fiji Airways Fijian 7s assistant coach Saiasi Fuli will be directing the coaches for both the seniors and colts. Tuikabe and Sakaraia Labalaba will guide the seniors while Anare Masi and Peceli Sovaki will look after the Under-20 side.
The SRU stated in a statement that Fuli would be making sure that all Suva coaches are accredited Level 2 and 3.
Suva started well this season by winning the Skipper Provincial Tens tournament.
Suva and Naitasiri were the most outstanding teams showcasing good off-season training by their players.
However, Tuikabe highlighted that Suva would be losing players next month because four are joining the national 7s squad, eight players to tour with the Fijian Warriors for the Brisbane 10s while Drua players are still ruled out with injuries and work commitments.
“So Suva have included young players so they could step-up and make a name for themselves in the provincial level,” he said.
SUVA EXTENDED SQUAD Prop-
Apisai Vatubuli (Raiwaqa), Kalivate Tawake (Army), Kolisese Mateo (Navy), Apete Joko (Raiwaqa), Semi Keli (Navy), Julian Ravuiwasa (Police), Luke Tagi (Lomaiviti), Immanuel (Covenant Brothers), Vesi Rarawa (Navy); Samuela Newa (Police); HookerMesulame Dolokoto (QVSOB), Isireli Ledua (Army), Tevita Seru (Nabua), Maciu Tukuna (Raiwaqa), Alifereti Naivolaca (Navy); LocksPeni Naulago (Navy), Jone Delana (Police), Viliame Malorua (Police), Koroitakali Daveta (Army), Apisai Tauyavuca (QVSOB), Raitini (Navy), Tevita Naqali (Covenant Brothers);
No.8- Jitoko Usumaki (Navy), Inoke Tuisese (Police), James Brown (USP), Paula Dranisinukula (Army), Elia Canakaivata (Suva Stallions); Flanker- Peni Raidre (Army), Saimoni Uluinakauvadra (Breakthrough), Isake Katonibau (Army), Suliasi Volivoli (Breakthrough), Jone Tanoa (Police), Samu Bola (Police), Uraia Veikoso (QVSOB); Halfback- Seru Cavuilati (Navy), Aporosa Kenatale (Navy), Peniasi Ratu (QVSOB), Peni Matawalu (Lomaiviti), Komaisavai (Army); Flyhalf- Meli Kurisaru (Police), Enele Malele (Breakthrough), Jone Many (Covenant Brothers), Reuben Tokona (QVSOB), Mosese Tikoduadua (Navy); Centres- Sitiveni Kunaga (Navy), Taniela Naqali (Army), John Stewart (Army), Setareki Raoma (QVSOB), Eroni Sau (Police), Waisale Urabuta (Navy), Josefata Molimoce (Suva Stallions), Epeli Ratabacaca (Marist);
Wings- Jonathan Petueli (QVSOB), Rusiate Tiqa (Army), Paula Tuvou (Navy), Levani Kurimudu (Army), Waisale Koroinacuqu (Army), Sakeo Railoa (Police); FullbackInia Tawalo (Army), Joeseva Vurewa (QVSOB), Basudra (Army), Keponi Paul (Police), Josateki Degei (Stallions), Aloesi Naduva (Army), Netani Vakayalia (Nabua)