Bua U20s reps fail to attend training

The Bua Under-20 rugby side’s preparation for the Vodafone Vanua Championship is affected due to players missing training.

Bua U20 team manager Samuela Lewavetau told SUNsports yesterday that he is worried because the competition gets underway on February 24.

He said only two players from Kubulau District have attended training so far.

An official Bua Rugby Union Facebook

page has been created and interested players are informed to contact the officials and attend the camp site at Nasau Village in Dama, Bua.

The Bua U20 side is pooled with Cakaudrove, Taveuni and Ra. Lewavetau said if players continue to miss training, he would opt for a 30-member squad chosen from the two districts of Dama and Nasau.

“If players from Kubulau to Nasarawaqa districts don’t come, I will do my own selection from the villages I know players who want to represent the province,” he reiterated. The disappointed coach said the final 30-member squad would be selected this Saturday to prepare for the first match against Cakaudrove at Vuya District School ground. Lewavetau said some students from Bua College would force their way into the squad.

“If players are not willing to put their hands up to represent the province’s development squad, we will look at other alternatives.” Despite the ongoing struggles, Lewavetau, is confident that once the players are assembled they would be in a better position to achieve their semi-final spot in the Vanua Championship.

“We can top our pool and we have the talent, only think the mindset should be there from day one of proper training,” he said.

Team bonding is emphasised to play a vital role in ensuring all players have a common goal to work on and reach the semifinal. The willy coach said he respects Cakaudrove and they aim to avenge the loss from last year.

“We have some players on our radar who played sevens rugby competitions in the off-season, so we are trying to get them in the squad to give us more speed and depth.” The humble coach said he wants more players from the province to represent the national sevens or fifteens team in the long-term.

“Our main target is not only to win the Vanua Cup, but, to develop more players to represent the national side,” he added.

The Vodafone Vanua championship kicks off on February 24.