Union offers food vouchers to jobless reps
Landowners back Lautoka Rugby to support their players on weekly basis.
The Lautoka Rugby Union is giving out weekly food vouchers to its players who are financially affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
This was confirmed by team manager Joseph Sikuri.
He said Lautoka was one of the first major union teams in the country that was not only focusing on getting ready for the new season but looked after their players’ welfare.
Sikuri indicated that they were helping 10 players who had been affected in terms of losing their employment during the lockdown. “These players were laid off from their jobs when the virus outbreak hit the country,” he said.
“We are fortunate to have some very good support from the landowners around Lautoka who helped the union with the $100 food vouchers for the players.
WELFARE
“Lautoka rugby is not like other unions that provide jobs for their players, over here we have students and those who have temporary jobs.
“For us it is not only about rugby, it’s more about outside of the pitch, to see that our players and their families are looked after well.”
“If we look after our players well then obviously we will get the results that we are aiming for this year if the season starts.”
Sikuri said the team’s operation was all about teamwork.
“The players do their part on the pitch in terms of training and we do our part outside the pitch,” he said.
“When the Lautoka lockdown was over we went around visiting the players and found out the hardship they were going through.”
“It is a very hard time for everyone and it is even tougher for these players laid off from their work place.”
BREADWINNERS
“Some of these players are sole breadwinners for their families with kids and imagine without any job, life is hard,” he said.
SKIPPER CUP
“I have been getting questions on whether we will be playing this year or not,” Sikuri said.
“Our plan is still the same from day one and that is to continue training and work on players’ fitness.” “The players are advised to follow Government’s directives and that is to train from their own homes.” The Maroons are making a comeback in this year’s Skipper Cup Premiership.
They are coached by former Flying Fijians lock forward Ifereimi Rawaqa.
For the past years, LRU has produced top rugby players like Sunia Seru, Niko Qoro, Eneri Ratudradra, Eremasi Lovodua, Rawaqa, Viliame Satala, Samu Yalayala, Manueli Tiko, Semi Talawadua, Viliame Ratudradra, Pita Dau, Manu Valetini, Mesake Navugona, Kaiava Salusalu, Tokoni Luvu and the list goes on.