Ba Rugby stands to gain significantly if they can secure a pre-season match against the Fijian Drua, according to insights shared by Ba Rugby Union secretary Gaby Kautoga in a recent interview. Kautoga highlighted that facing off against more experienced players would greatly uplift the spirits and morale of the local players, who deeply admire their counterparts on the Drua.
The proposed match is not only beneficial for the Drua as they gear up for the upcoming season, but it also presents a valuable opportunity for provincial union teams to hone their skills and gain experience. Kautoga mentioned that with the unexpected delays in the season schedule, this is an ideal time for players to gain much-needed game time to enhance their performance ahead of the competitive season.
Kautoga expressed a vision to elevate the standards of rugby in Ba, which includes exposing local players to higher levels of competition. He emphasized the importance of maintaining focus during the festive season, a time when distractions can lead players away from their preparations. The match with the Drua would not only offer competitive experience, but also a potential chance for local players to impress the coaching staff, possibly leading to recruitment opportunities with the Drua.
In another update, Kautoga indicated that the Ba Rugby Club plans to address their jersey sponsorship concerns at the upcoming Annual General Meeting (AGM) for Fiji Rugby. He expressed hope that Fiji Rugby would consider open sponsorship options rather than closed ones, allowing the team to showcase their own merchandise, such as jerseys from their sponsor BLK (Beyond Limits Known). This sponsorship flexibility is crucial, especially considering that Ba Rugby was disqualified in their first Skipper Cup match against Suva due to jersey issues, which reflects the impact of administrative hurdles on their performance.
Additionally, Kautoga highlighted ongoing challenges in communication with Fiji Rugby, noting delays in responses to important inquiries which can disrupt their preparation. He hopes that discussions at the AGM will help pave the way for better collaboration and support from the national body for the development of grassroots rugby.
Overall, the potential match against the Fijian Drua signifies a promising opportunity for Ba Rugby players to elevate their game and broaden their horizons, reflecting a positive step towards enhancing rugby at the grassroots level.
This article highlights the importance of community support in sports and the significant role pre-season matches play in athlete development. Engaging with larger teams like the Drua not only inspires local talent but fosters a culture of improvement and aspiration in regional rugby.
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