Marist ruggers to the rescue
FORMER Flying Fijian Joseph Narruhn, the head coach of the Marist Rugby Club, this week led a team of dedicated Marist Rugby Club officials and Marist Brothers High School old scholars in distributing their wellbeing Duavata ration packs and personal branded MRC masks to players affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The distribution team went as far as Nabukavesi, Wainadoi and Nausori to reach out to 30 affected players. They were joined by club officials such as treasurer Laiakini Bale, team manager Eroni Matavesi and media director for the Marist Rugby Club Etu Tuqota.
Club president Lawrence Tikaram said this was part of the club's COVID-19 ongoing assistance program for affected rugby players who had lost their jobs and especially their families during these trying times.
“We are grateful that we have our dedicated club head coach Joseph Narruhn leading this initiative for our men and women's teams once again,” Tikaram said.
“In all adversity, unity is the key at MRC and our platforms of support engagement for our players is crucial off the field in times like this . It’s not something new for the Marist Rugby Club reaching out to people in need similar to their donation of $2500 plus sporting equipment to the MOBA cyclone Yasa trust relief last year for affected Marist Old Boys in Nadivakarua, Kubulau in Bua. Marist Rugby Club also consistently have been contributing as well to MBHS rugby and athletics program over the last 10 years.”
Club officials and members were also given free safety masks as well for them and their families as part of the outreach COVID-19 program run by the Marist Rugby Club.
The club is working on providing specialised counselling services for affected players as well.
“We truly appreciate the support our club officials have done to keep the hope’s, dreams and aspirations alive for our rugby players both men’s and women’s.”