Pernix Vuda gears up for showdown
Pernix Vuda gears up for business house regatta — West Series showdown
As the countdown begins for the 2024 Business House Regatta — West Series, Pernix Vuda is gearing up for what promises to be an epic battle on the water.
Set to take place on March 16th and April 6th, Pernix Vuda team captain Maikeli Vulaono revealed insights into their preparations.
From novices to contenders: Pernix Vuda’s journey
Reflecting on their past achievements, Vulaono highlighted Pernix Vuda’s performance at the Suva Business House Regatta in 2023, where they clinched second place in the cup final.
“Last year we participated in the Suva Business House Regatta and were second runner up in the main cup final. This was the first time our Vuda team took part in a regatta competition.”
Despite minimal training time, the team’s impressive performance fueled their determination to excel further.
This drive, coupled with the camaraderie fostered through regatta participation, has inspired Pernix Vuda to set their sights on the 2024 Business House Regatta — West Series.
“We achieved our runner up position with just over two week’s training before competition. Seeing our results and team spirit, this has encouraged us to participate in this year’s regatta in the West.”
Balancing act: Wellbeing and worklife
The Pernix Group began as a construction company in 1995 and have since established a strong reputation within the Government, commercial and industrial, and power markets around the world and in some of the most challenging environments.
In 2000, the group established Pernix (Fiji) Limited as a subsidiary to provide diesel fired power generation plants and later operation and maintenance services in Fiji.
Acknowledging their responsibilities, Vulaono emphasised the team’s dedication to balancing work commitments with rigorous training schedules.
“We are considered essential service providers which can sometimes mean sacrificing our training hours to attend to breakdowns or faults. However, we try and make up for this time by training additional hours on land when we can.”
Despite the demanding nature of their work, Vulaono added the joy of paddling and the sense of fulfillment from pushing their limits on the water is an experience Pernix Vuda thrives on.
“Work-life balance can be challenging at times especially for newcomers like ourselves to the competition scene but we enjoy being out on the water and we were able to achieve our KPI target with our team health and well-being.
“We have had setbacks in the past during our training sessions but we are continually learning to remain resilient, adaptable and solution oriented, and it’s allowing us to grow together as a team.”
When asked about their superhero alter ego, Vulaono envisions their outrigger canoe as the “Aquatic Avenger”.
“If Pernix Vuda’s outrigger canoe had a superhero alter ego, it might be called ‘Aquatic Avenger’.
“As the Aquatic Avenger, the outrigger canoe would possess a range of special powers tailored to dominate the regatta. Through its telepathic connection, the Aquatic Avenger would share a telepathic connection with its crew, enabling seamless communication and co-ordination. This psychic link would allow for instantaneous responses to changing conditions, ensuring optimal performance and teamwork throughout the regatta.”
Registrations for the 2024 Business House Regatta — West Series has been extended by public demand with an entry fee of $1000.00 per team.
Interested parties are encouraged to contact the organising committee for details Nadi Bay Canoe Club (nadibaycanoeclub@gmail.com) or Vuda Canoe Club (secretary.vcc02@gmail.com).
THE Swire Shipping Fijian Drua has unveiled its matchday squad for the eagerly awaited Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific season opener against the Blues this Saturday in Whangarei, New Zealand.
Head coach Mick Byrne has entrusted starting debuts to young talents Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, Epeli Momo, and Isikeli Rabitu, alongside development lock forward Mesake Vocevoce, who recently earned his place in the main Super Rugby Pacific squad.
Byrne has constructed a formidable front row, featuring Livai Natave at loosehead prop, Tevita Ikanivere at hooker, and Mesake Doge at tighthead. Flying Fijians lock Isoa Nasilasila pairs up with Leone Rotuisolia in the second row, while Etonia Waqa and Elia Canakaivata secure the flanker positions. Captain Meli Derenalagi will lead from the back of the scrum at number eight.
The experienced Frank Lomani starts the match at halfback to partner Armstrong-Ravula at flyhalf. Flyer Selestino Ravutaumada features on the left wing to pair with another Super Rugby Pacific debutant — Epeli Momo — on the right.
Barnstorming centre Apisalome Vota gets a start in the season opener shifting one into inside centre with Drua’s leading try scorer Iosefo Masi outside him. Young Isikeli Rabitu completes the run-on team by getting a start at fullback.
Providing cover on the bench at hooker is Mesulame Dolokoto, while Emosi Tuqiri and Jone Koroiduadua are expected to make an impact in the front row during the match. Mesake Vocevoce is the back-up lock and is expected to make his debut during the match. Vilive Miramira is the back-up loose forward. Peni Matawalu is the reserve halfback, with Kemu Valetini and Tuidraki Samusamuvodre providing additional backline cover.
He said the players were in relaxed mood and were focussed for Saturday’s clash.
“There’s a lot of excitement around, there’s a lot of energy around and probably goes without saying for everyone here that there’s a lot of laughter around so I think that’s always a good sign.
“After a hard training session, the players are sitting around at lunch with guitar and just went on a mad sing along so you know the mood in the camp is great.
“There’s a lot of energy even after our hard trainings there’s a lot of excitement around and the mood is positive,” Byrne said.
First 15
1. Livai Natave 2. Tevita Ikanivere 3. Mesake Doge 4. Isoa Nasilasila 5. Leone Rotuisolia 6. Etonia Waqa 7. Elia Canakaivata 8. Meli Derenalagi (c) 9. Frank Lomani 10. Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula 11. Selestino Ravutaumada 12. Apisalome Vota 13. Iosefo Masi 14. Epeli Momo 15. Isikeli Rabitu.
Impact
16. Mesulame Dolokoto 17. Emosi Tuqiri 18. Jone Koroiduadua
THE Swire Shipping Fijian Drua has unveiled its matchday squad for the eagerly awaited Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific season opener against the Blues this Saturday in Whangarei, New Zealand.
Head coach Mick Byrne has entrusted starting debuts to young talents Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, Epeli Momo, and Isikeli Rabitu, alongside development lock forward Mesake Vocevoce, who recently earned his place in the main Super Rugby Pacific squad.