No Vax, No Game for Women, says Rabuka
Nadi Airport Sports Club manager Ana Rabuka is putting her foot down in not entertaining those with no vaccination cards training and preparing for club games.
“The last time our secretary updated our club records there was about only 17 per cent of our women members that have been vaccinated. Many have called to say that they have been vaccinated, but we need to sight their cards,” Rabuka said.
“Like everywhere else, no vax means to training,” she said.
“Something happened to almost all our members, their phones were either defunct or lost during COVID.
“As much as our players want to start training, we will need to have everyone vaccinated before we start.
“We have the facility and ground, members and aspiring members must adhere to vaccination rules.”
Rabuka who is also part of the Nadi Rugby Union constitution review executive committee is hopeful other clubs are now following up on with their members to see that they have been fully vaccinated.
“We were all looking forward to the Skipper Cup now that Fiji Rugby Union has given the green light for club competitions to start. women have time to be vaccinated, train and prepare for provincial rugby.”
Rabuka yesterday admitted that the Fijianas’ winning the bronze at the Japan Olympics has injected a lot of interest among young women to play rugby.
“It has been difficult to get clubs include women. The Olympic medal has surely changed a lot of minds in our local communities and that is to our advantage.”
This week, following the uplifting of COVID-19 protocols and new curfew hours, rugby grounds in the jet set towns have been filled with men and women passing and kicking the oval ball.
“Now that every rugby club is expected to also have a women’s side, it is a window of opportunity for young women to play the sport they love.
“That is why we need players to be fully vaccinated.”
Rabuka at the meantime is wary of how the Yasawa women rugby women are preparing their provincial side.