Sportswear company helps ruggers
MORE help is in store for Fijian rugby.
Thanks to Kombat Sportswear, a company in the West, a program has been set up to help develop rugby at grassroots level.
Kombat Sportswear launched its rugby support program at the Tanoa International Hotel in Nadi last week.
“The grassroots program targets clubs at the grassroots level conducting rugby clinics. This program started last year after Fiji won the Hong Kong 7s title and set a special record of five wins in a row and also the mention of Seremaia Tuwai as being the only player to feature in all the five consecutive winning teams,” said Koji Tokito, the managing director of Kombat Sportswear.
Chief guest at the launch was Richard Breen, who founded the champion Baravi Exiles Rugby Club which featured some top Fijian players such as Sailosi Nawavu, twin brothers Taniela and Sikeli Qauqau amd Norman Ligairi.
“Without the sponsor’s support in any program it is impossible to achieve your set goals, so I acknowledge the sponsors and say thank you for supporting the program,” Breen said.
He stated the reason Baravi Exiles Rugby Club was formed.
“Our aim was to bring the youths together and give the players an opportunity to showcase their talents. There are so many talented rugby players who need exposure.
“Grassroots program is about supporting the youths of today that maybe haven’t had those opportunities by making sure they have jerseys to compete in, money to pay their entry fees and to make sure they have the money to be able to get there. By having the support, it is possible, but at the same time, you have to do your part.
“It starts with discipline because one needs to have the self-belief that he can reach the highest level. Whenever one needs success in this world, it needs hard work.”
The first rugby clinic will be held in Navutu Village outside of Lautoka City next week.
The sponsors supporting the program include Bumble Bee Foods, Tanoa International Hotel, Nalagi Hotels and Resorts, Savu Natural Artesian Water, ProDesigns and J R White & Company Ltd.
Meanwhile, Gaunavou Rugby Club’s senior and youth 7s teams and the Red Rock Rugby Club of Qauia Village in Lami were presented with new sets of rugby jerseys during the launch.
It coincided with the start of the 33rd Fiji Bitter Nawaka Sevens last Friday and Saturday.