Nadi starts preparation for battle

THE Nadi Rugby Union intends to further strengthen its squad by scouting for promising and aspiring ruggers during the upcoming 10s tournament to be held at Prince Charles Park in Nadi.

Executive committee member for NRU Jeff Tamata said the coaching panel would be at the grounds to keep tabs on the many talented Nadi ruggers expected to participate at the event.

“We are very serious about an anticipated gruelling 2021 domestic rugby season,” he said.

“That is the reason we are holding a 10s tournament because it will provide a great platform for the selectors to pencil in names of skilled and talented players.

“We want the best players to wear the navy blue outfit because we have the Fare brother Sullivan trophy to defend this year.

“We are hopeful of a good outing in the opening few rounds of the Skipper Cup competition unlike the previous year where we didn’t perform to the standards as expected from a Nadi rugby team and we want to do well in the first round, especially with the holy grail of local rugby at stake.

“The goals for NRU are to qualify for the semi-finals of the Skipper Cup competition and of course, the main aim is to keep the Farebrother-Sullivan trophy when the season ends. NRU will have a better preparation this year.”

It has been confirmed by Tamata that the coaching panel would be the same as last year with Nawaka native Ilai Derenalagi being the head coach and Cohen Politini deputising.

Meanwhile, Prataps Civil and Asphalt Quarries Ltd would be the major sponsor for the two-day Rise Fiji Rise Jetset 10s tournament which would be held at Prince Charles Park in Nadi on January 29-30 with $10,000 in total prizemoney.