Ex-Wallabies Samo, Tuqiri hold clinics
Former Wallabies Radike Samo and Lote Tuqiri took lead in sharing and demonstrating rugby skills to those that turned up. The team flew to Labasa yesterday and would be there for a day. They return on Thursday to hold similar clinics for Suva schools on Friday.
Rugby Australia in collaboration with the Fijian Drua will facilitate the GIR (Get into Rugby) Plus programme in the northern division later this week in Labasa.
The schools include Wailevu West Primary School and Seaqaqa Primary School.
On Monday the Saint Thomas Primary School ground was a hive of activity when ten schools from the western division convened there for the GIR Plus programme. GIR Plus promotes gender equality and advocates against domestic violence.
Former Wallabies Radike Samo and Lote Tuqiri took lead in sharing and demonstrating rugby skills to those that turned up.
The team flew to Labasa yesterday and would be there for a day. They return on Thursday to hold similar clinics for Suva schools on Friday.
“It’s something to give back to the community, especially for the young kids,” Samo said.
“It is also a good opportunity for us to share our experience with them growing up,” he said.
He said a few members of the group were conducting similar programmes to schools in Wagga Wagga, Australia; Tonga, Samoa and the Solomon Islands.
“So, for me, it’s always growing up in Fiji as a kid but for us now like we’re doing this as something to give back after our rugby career,” he said.
“Rugby is a good pathway to be a professional player, so I reckon especially from Fiji to go overseas if you have a chance to go, you know, just take it with both hands and enjoy it.”
Nokonoko Primary School team coach Miriama Qauqau said the team was the only school travelling from the Nadroga Navosa district to Nadi.
“It’s good exposure for them since it’s a first step for them to be part of the group to learn what the programme is about and it’s not all about winning,” Qauqau said. “It’s about the values, there are five values, discipline respect integrity passion and solidarity,” she said.
“They’re starting to grasp what the programme is about and in their first match against Drasa Avenue they won 9-0 and they have four more games.”