Boladuadua still going strong at 34
Players’ welfare is the focus of the Naitasiri Rugby Union officials before the 2020 Skipper Cup Premiership gets underway. NRU technical advisor Seremaia Naureure said yesterday they have mapped out strategies to help their players.
“We have already set out plans for the new season,” he said.
“Some our plans include the development of our players and their welfare as well.
“To us players’ welfare is very important, we’ll get all thsee sorted before we win the Skipper Cup and the Farebrother Trophy.
“This will help boost the player’s performance and their families during the new season.”
Meanwhile, more than 20 teams participated at the Naitasiri 10 competition at the Navuso ground.
Also members of the Naitasiri squad used the competition to test their fitness level.
“We’ve already chosen the extended squad for Naitasiri so the aim is to get those players in the squad and get them registered with a club.
“This is also the platform for those in the squad to get their game time knowing that the off-season has finished.
“Now it’s the pre-season so come the Skipper Cup the boys have conditioned their body well for the duration of the competition.”
Despite facing a lot of injuries, Isikeli Boladuadua’s love for rugby is still strong.
Boladuadua was part of the Waimanu Mini 7s tournament at the Sawani Primary School ground in Naitasiri yesterday. The 34-year-old villager was one of the best players chosen by the club’s management.
The father of two said he’s been playing rugby for 14 years, since he first joined the club.
“I had always wanted to wear the white (national) jersey,” he said.
“I faced a lot of injuries while playing, but that did not stop me from supporting our club and the young talented players in the province.”
Boladuadua indicated that he still attends their daily training session as a show of support to club and the upcoming players. “I always love to support the young players who aim to represent the provincial team and later wear the white jersey.”
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He has advised upcoming players who are not academically bright to play rugby which could very rewarding in the end. “Nothing is impossible if someone wants to wear the white jersey,” he added.
The mini tournament is a buildup to the Waimanu 7s tournament which will be played later in the year.