Naitasiri loses key player for challenge
NAITASIRI has been dealt a major blow before it faces reigning Farebrother-Sullivan trophy holders Nadi in its challenge match today at Prince Charles Park in Nadi.
The highlanders will be missing the services of prolific flyhalf Etonia Rokotuisawa after he copped a three-match suspension from the Fiji Rugby Union’s disciplinary committee for committing a dangerous tackle against Northland in the first half of their round one
Skipper Cup match last week.
“He got a three-game suspension,” said FRU national operations manager Sale Sorovaki.
“The disciplinary process has been put in place as far as the terms of participation are concerned and any red card offences will be dealt with according to the World Rugby sanctions and regulations.
“His case was put through the normal disciplinary process pertaining to the WR policies.”
The highlanders are currently leading the Skipper points table and the side will challenge the Jetsetters today at 3pm.
The match will be hosted by Nadi at Prince Charles Park.
Meanwhile, the holders of the Holy Grail have named a relatively young and inexperienced squad with a few old hands for the second challenge match of the year.
Ron Katonivere will lead the charge for the hosts and he will be ably supported by the likes of explosive Jolame Luvevou, enterprising Napolioni Dawai and rugged Turuva Lumelume.
Jack’s Nadi starting line-up: (1) Ron Katonivere (C), (2) Maikeli Sivo, (3) Joseva Nadolo, (4) Turuva Lumelume, (5) Asivurusi Naliga, (6) Jolame Luvevou, (7) Vilive Miramira, (8) Ratu Napolioni Dawai, (9) Anasa Vuatalevu, (10) Sela Toga, (11) Jiutasa Nave, (12) Vilive Aria, (13) Orisi Erenavula, (14) Solomoni Tavai and (15) Tevita Mociu.
Reserves: (16) Joseph Koroivueti, (17) Tomasi Nawaqa, (18) Isaia Namote, (19) Vilikesa Biletawa, (20) Ilisoni Galala, (21) Kolaia Bucalevu, (22) Vilikesa Driu and (23) Navitai Tuilawa.
THE Suva Rugby Union (SRU) has announced that Ram Sami and Sons (Fiji) Ltd will continue to be the “major and naming right” sponsor of the defending Skipper Cup champion.
All three Suva teams will now be known as, Ram Sami Suva men’s team, Wallsons Food Suva women’s team and Premiere Suva U19 team.
In receiving the cheque, SRU secretary, Tevita Tuiloa highlighted the successful partnership shared by SRU and Ram Sami in 2020, helping Suva defend the Skipper Cup for the 3rd year in a row amidst the COVID-19 pandemic and tough economic situations in Fiji.
“SRU is both grateful and excited to partner with Ram Sami in 2021 and we look forward to continue with our winning ways,” he said.
“We definitely had an edge over our opponents last season thanks to the sponsorship and also the protein in our post-training and match meals, via Fiji’s number 1 egg’s, Ram Sami eggs and the tasty Wallsons lamb sausages.
“From these funds, we will be able to invest in our players, our systems and processes, which we hope will take us through to defending the Skipper Cup in 2021.”
Ram Sami business development manager, Shameer Abdul highlighted that the company and its directors are thrilled to continue its partnership with Suva Rugby and look forward to building on our successful relationship in 2020 to even greater heights in 2021.
“One thing that stands out for them, as a company, is the way the Suva players (both men and women) are always humble off the field and inspire our young rugby enthusiasts across the country.
“As a company, they support good values such as hard work, honesty and being humble, something they hope all Fijian’s can continue to practise during these tough times.
“Ram Sami has received its fair share of return on investment from this partnership, with their brand name becoming synonymous both on and off the field here in Fiji and abroad.”
The Suva men’s and U19 teams started their Skipper Cup Campaign against BLK Nadroga last Saturday.