‘Expect a very competitive season’
FIJI Rugby Union operations manager Tiko Matawalu says rugby fans and enthusiasts can expect an exciting Skipper Cup competition this year when the tournament kicks off this weekend.
Matawalu noted that the standard of 15s rugby in the country had improved significantly over the years, from player development to coach qualification.
“Fans can expect a very competitive season, an increase in the standard and quality of the games.
“The reason being that the top is now demanding appropriate coaching accreditations for Skipper Cup and ANZ Marama which is Level 3 and a minimum of Level 2 for Vodafone Vanua and Royal Tea Ranadi Teams,” he said.
Matawalu said teams competing in the Skipper Cup and Vodafone Vanua Championship had been recruiting more qualified coaches and medical personnel which had helped in the development of the sport.
“So, all teams are either engaging accredited coaches or taking their coaches through proper training and accreditation process. “This is also across the board for strength and conditioning coaches as well ensuring that teams have their physios and proper trained medical.
“Having the right team support staff will ensure a better environment and produce better players who will then display a better level of rugby.”
He said this was where teams needed support from fans in turning out in numbers to respective matches, where they can generate income to aid in the development of their coaching and medical staff.
“This is where fan support is greatly needed to ensure that teams gain from their respective gate takings shares.”
Meanwhile, Matawalu said he had been impressed with the performance of two new teams in the Vanua Championship who had their pre-season test matches during the weekend.
“We have two new teams to the Vanua Championship, Taveuni and Kadavu.
“Kadavu had their pre-season test matches with Nadroga, where their under-20 and women’s teams managed to win except for their senior team.
“This proves that while the unions and teams might sound new, the players and coaches have been through some development process from the grassroots level and praise goes to those who are actively involved at grassroots,” Matawalu said.
The Skipper Cup competition is set to kick start this weekend with defending champions Suva taking on Ba on Saturday at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva.
Nadi will also be hosting Lautoka at Prince Charles Park while Yasawa faces Naitasiri at Churchill Park in Lautoka. At Subrail Park in Labasa, Macuata will face Nadroga while Namosi hosts Tailevu at Thompson Park in Navua.