Rokoura: We Go For Passion Not Names
Suva Rugby chair highlights depth of squad against Nadro
The Suva Rugby team are anticipating a tough encounter against Nadroga in the Skipper Cup Premiership opener at Lawaqa Park, Sigatoka, on July 25.
The clash is going to be a double header as the Farebrother-Sullivan Trophy will also be at stake. Suva are the defending Skipper Cup champions while Nadroga are the Farebrother-Sullivan Trophy holders.
The Suva rugby side continued on with their training as they are boosted with the inclusion of the Fiji Airways Fijian 7s players and a few overseas-based reps. However, Suva Rugby Union chairman Aseri Rokoura said they are not relying on big names but players who are passionate about rugby.
“Suva is fortunate that we got some key players in the Drua, as well as those in the sevens team who are in the extended training squad,” Rokoura said.
“We have overseas-based players like (Mesulame) Dolokoto but we’re not banking on the names of these experienced players, it’s those that meet the criteria.
“The players with the right attitude and the passion to play rugby.
“We are fortunate to have those depths of players and that has given some sense of competition among the players themselves to perform.
“We have not confirmed the team that is going to play Nadroga.
“That is left to the technical staff and the coaches to decide.”
Challenge
Rokoura said Nadroga was not one of the teams that could be easily beaten on their home ground but Suva are going for a win.
“Given that challenge, which I think all other unions will have when they play the champions at their home turf.
“Especially with a team like Nadroga, having a strong fan base and depth of players- national reps and experienced ones and with a good coach.
“So we are preparing to win, like what all teams do and for the team to give their best.
“Especially bringing confidence to the sporting arena post COVID -19 and supporting the Government in bringing that confidence back to the people of Fiji.
“We are preparing for a brilliant display of rugby.”
FRU AGM preps
All provincial teams are gearing up for the Fiji Rugby Union’s Annual General Meeting on July 18.
“Everything that has to be done, to comply with FRU regulations has been completed and submitted, like the auditing of the accounts,” Rokoura said.
“This makes Suva one of the unions who has complied with FRU requirements.
“It is aligned to the parent body’s directions and regulations for rugby.”
The AGM will be held at the Novotel Suva Lami Bay.
Nominations
“There are nominations that are in place, which are disclosed.
“It is a collective contribution for nominees, there are other nominees from other unions but that will only be delivered in the AGM,” Rokoura said.
“It is those that we believe to assist in the development of rugby in Fiji and continue with the good work.”
The SRU will be advocating on three themes when their club competition resumes.
They are, Battle of COVID-19, Stop Violence Against Women and Children and No to Drugs.