Ralulu calls out for Yasawa fans to turn up
Utility Tomasi Ralulu is calling for Yasawa rugby fans to turn in big numbers as they play their biggest match of their lives.
For the first time since Yasawa Rugby will face holders of the Farebrother Challenge, Namosi at the ANZ Stadium on Saturday. The Teci, Yasawa native knows the Farebrother challenge is a different ball game altogether compared to the Skipper Cup Premiership.
He last played for Nadi in the Farebrother in 2015 for Nadi where they lost 23-26 to Nadroga at Lawaqa Park, Sigatoka.
“I played wing in that game and it was my only game. Against Namosi it will be my second if chosen by the coach,” he said. “Farebrother is a different ball game altogether and is the battle of the vanua of Yasawa and Namosi. I want Yasawa fans to be there in numbers for us, we will definitely need them in this big game.”
Ralulu who works as a fireman at Fiji Airports at Nadi International Airport, believes that Yasawa fans have been tremendous this season.
The 29-year old began his rugby career at Namaka Public School before moving to St Thomas High School and Ratu Navula College.
In 2011 he was part of the Nadi U20 side that lost in the final to Naitasiri. In 2014 he made his debut as wing for the Nadi against Northland at Gatward Park, Korovou.
In 2016 he was transferred to Matei Airport, Taveuni where he focused on sevens rugby where he featured for the First Light Taveuni team and won a couple of 7s tournaments including the 2017 Coral Coast 7s.
The following year he was part of the Cross of Victory team which also won the Samoa Independence 7s, Nawaka 7s and Tavua 7s. The sme year he debuted for the Yasawa team in the Vodafone Vanua Championship.
Some stalwarts in the side are 7s skipper Kalioni Nasoko, Kitione Salawa Jnr, Rusiate Matai, Maikeli Rokodinono, and Inia Rokomatu.
Meanwhile, 7s reps Napolioni Ratu and Waisea Nacuqu will not play. Ratu was injured in the game against Nadroga and Nacuqu will be married on Friday.
In other games Suva plays Tailevu on Friday at ANZ Stadium , Naitasiri host Nadroga . at Ratu Cakobau Park, Nausori on Saturday, Nadi face Lautoka at Prince Charles Park.
In the Vodafone Vanua Championship quarterfinals, Northland play Macuata 1pm at Ratu Cakobau Park, Nausori followed by the Rewa-Ovalau game at 3pm. In the third quarterfinal Tavua will play Ba 1pm at Churchill Park, Lautoka and Nanukuloa vs Serua at 3pm.