‘Agents Of Change’ Through Rugby
Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama thanked the officials and players of the Newtown Rugby Club for their contribution to the development of their youths. Bainimarama was the chief guest during the club’s awards night at the Vineyard Palace in Suva on Saturday night.
“Celebrating the achievements of our young players can be the extra boost that a young player needs to continue on a path to greatness,” he said.
The Prime Minister highlighted the club’s success in running their rugby programme has helped shape the lives of many young people in the Nasinu and Newtown communities.
He said the club has shown a commitment to training and moulding young people to become positive agents for change in communities.
Fiji Airways Fijian 7s star halfback and gold medal winner from the 2016 Rio Olympic Games Jerry Tuwai is a product of this club. The NRC plays in the Nasinu Rugby Union competition and is the holder of the Ram Sami Challenge Shield.
Bainimarama wished the club all the best for this year’s sevens season that starts later in the month. NRU secretary Paula Biu said it’s the first time for our Prime Minister to be part of the awards night especially at this level.
“We thank the club for a wellorganised function and for them to show their appreciation to the players for their commitment,” the former Flying Fijian prop said.
“They are the first team to successfully defend the Ram Sami shield seven times this year. “It’s one way of showing the other clubs on how to appreciate the commitment of their players.
“It reflects and shows that the club is well-managed by the executives. “From us that is something we are looking to do next year because it’s going to be the fifth year of our revival.
“We’ll try and organise an awards night for the Nasinu Rugby Union.
“But as of now I want to thank the committee and players of Newtown Rugby for their commitment throughout the season.”