Bonding Boys

Fiji Airways Flying Fijians soak up the wild and natural falls of the Namosi highlands

Fiji Airways Flying Fijians took a break from regular training on Wednesday for a team bonding visit to Namuamua village, Namosi.

The team made an early morning journey

to the highlands and was traditionally welcomed by Tui Namosi Ratu Suliano Matanitobua who also presented an iconic tanoa as a gift to Head Coach John McKee.

The players had an exciting four-hour rafting and team bonding exercise at Navua River.

Ratu Suliano posted on Facebook saying he was appreciative towards the Fiji Airways Flying Fijians team for the visit.

“As head of the vanua o Nabukebuke, my people, my wife and I were honoured to host the Fiji 15s rugby team at the village of Nakavu, Tikina Veivatuloa,” he said.

“Last Sunday, I received a delegation consisting of team officials who approached me to inform me of their intention to take the boys out for a tour along the Namosi River on board the “bilibili”.

“The purpose was not only for team bonding but also an opportunity to appreciate the experiences of villagers who live along the upper Navua River, as they go on about their daily lives and the challenges that they endure.

“I believe this would have been a lifetime experience for many of the boys who haven’t had the opportunity to live in a remote rural area or village.

“Their “bilibili” experience began from Namuamua Village (upper Navua River). They spent approximately three and a half hours in the river before reaching their destination – Nakavu Village.

“I thank the hard-working team officials – Coach McKee and his technical team, and of course, the players for granting my vanua this opportunity.

“We are proud and honored to have you as our guests. It definitely has brought joy and hope to my people especially the young ones who dream that one day they will also don the white jerseys.

“On behalf of my people, I express our utmost best wishes to the team as they prepare for the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan. You all have our full support and prayers.”

LEFT: Fiji Airways Flying Fijians reps Waisea Nayacalevu, Veremalua Vugakoto and Leone Nakarawa.

Photo: Fiji Rugby Union TOP: Fiji Airways Flying Fijians reps (close to camera from left) Henry Seniloli, Ben Volavola, Alivereti Veitokani, Jale Vatubua (partly obscured) and Viliame Mata paddling down the Namosi waters on August 21, 2019.

Photo: FRU Media From left: Fiji Airways Flying Fijians squad members Mosese Voka, Vereniki Goneva and Waisea Nayacalevu at Namuamua, Namosi on August 21, 2019.

Photo: FRU Media Tui Namosi Ratu Suliano Matanitobua (left) presents a tanoa to Fiji Airways Flying Fijians head coach John McKee and captain Dominiko Waqaniburotu at Namuamua, Namosi on August 21, 2019.

Photo: FRU Media From left: Fiji Airways Flying Fijians squad members Frank Lomani and Waisea Nayacalevu enjoying the scenes and beauty of Namosi on August 21, 2019.

Photo: FRU Media Some members of the Fiji Airways Flying Fijians enjoy the ride down the Navua River on August 21, 2019.