Army Tigers Jet In
The First Battalion, The Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment (1PWRR) Rugby Club team arrived into the country on Monday for a tour here. This is an Armoured Infantry Battalion (also known as The Amoured Tigers) in the British Army currently based in Germany. Media liaison Captain Charles Lee said they were here to play some competitive rugby matches with their Fijian counterparts.
“We have always had a keen rugby team and last year we decided to organise an overseas rugby tour,” Captain Lee said. “Having deliberated over a number of destinations in the Southern Hemisphere, Fiji was the obvious selection given that we have received many strong Fijian soldiers over the years.” He said touring the country would not only be a great challenge on the rugby field, but also a chance for their Fijian contingent to show the rest of the team their roots, culture and magnificent country. Whilst there has always been a large Fijian presence within their rugby team, 1PWRR is currently developing new blood under the able leadership of Corporal (Cpl) Uraia ‘Woody’ Mairara – as the 1 PWRR head coach. There are also some Fijian players returning to their homeland. This include Warren Petersen; Sekove Ratubalavu; Selestino Naqarase; and Josaia Serukalou. The team will play Delta Company of the RFMF in Nadi tomorrow. They will face the Fijian Navy side in Suva next Tuesday before they return to Germany on January 18. Meanwhile, the touring side has started their sightseeing tour with touch rugby in the western division including visiting the Sand Dunes.
Edited by Anasilini Ratuva