Prospects High
Expectation are high, now that the Vodafone Vanua Cup is back. Following the launch in Suva yesterday, Fiji Rugby Union operation manager Sale Sorovaki said the future looks brighter after three players from the competition were picked for the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua.
The three players are Joseva Tamani and Olympic gold medallists, Kalioni Nasoko and Napolioni Ratu.
“From the Vodafone Vanua Cup to the toughest rugby competition on the planet, the Super Rugby, is possible; these three have proved it,” Sorovaki said.
“Expect more talents to be picked up from here this season. One of the 16 teams will have the opPORTUNITY TO fiGHT FOR A SPOT IN THE Skipper Cup when the competition rounds up.”
Tamani represented Ovalau, while Ratu and Nasoko played for Yasawa.
“THEIR ACHIEVEMENT WILL DEfinitely inspire and challenge other players to exploit their skills and talents, play good and clean rugby,” he said.
“If you are playing well, have the RIGHT SKILLS AND ATTITUDE, DEfiNITELY the selectors will notice you. Players
need to work hard and prove themselves.
“There is so much talent in Fiji, such competition will push our rugby players at provincial level. There is no excuse that some will miss out or be left out, the Vanua Cup is inclusive.
“While the Skipper Cup is the premiere competition, the Vodafone Vanua Cup is like our Tier 2 rugby competition.”
The 16 Vodafone Vanua Cup teams are divided into four pools. Each team will play six games.
THEN THERE IS THE QUARTERfiNALS
AND SEMIfiNALS. THE WINNER IN THE fiNAL PLAYS THE BOTTOM TEAM IN THE Skipper Cup points table.
The winner joins the Skipper Cup while the loser goes to the Vodafone Vanua Cup in the new season.