Win-win situation for all, says minister
The Fijian Government has commended Australian employers under the Pacific Labour Scheme (PLS) for allowing Fijians to be part of their weekly rugby competition.
This was after a few PLS workers in Tamworth, New South Wales formed a rugby sevens team called Bula Brothers and they train every Monday and Wednesday after work.
Minister for Industrial Relations and Youth and Sports Parveen Bala said his office is aware of the mutual commitment made by the two parties.
He said it is a win-win situation as Fiji is well known for its rugby around the world.
Bala indicated that it is for the betterment of the individuals while working hard and at the same time getting the needed fitness level and enjoying the sport they love.
“Sports is part of our culture so whether you are here or overseas it must be played. I’m happy that they have organised competition while they are there.
“Definitely it will keep them physically fit as well and it’s also important for them to be in contact.
“I wish to commend the employers for allowing our Fijians workers to take part in organised competition,” he said. Bula Brothers 7s team coach, Jeremaia Marawa said, what started out as a casual game of touch football has grown into a sevens team.
He said players recently travelled to Inverell to compete in an annual 7s tournament.
“It’s a chance for them to work on their physical health and to connect with other workers in the area,” said Marawa. Last February, a group of Fijian workers help rescue a country rugby club, Singleton that has been struggling since they don’t have enough players.
The team won the country division of the Mick ‘Whale’ Curry 7s tournament for the first time.
Club directors, Simon Nagle told Pacific Beat that he is predicting the Fijian players will soon become cult heroes.