Ba Rugby’s Big Opportunity: Will They Rise to the Challenge?

Playing a pre-season match against the Fijian Drua could bring numerous advantages for Ba Rugby. According to Gaby Kautoga, secretary of the Ba Rugby Union, this opportunity would greatly enhance the players’ morale and provide them with valuable experience as they compete against high-profile athletes they admire.

Kautoga praised the Fijian Drua franchise for its initiative in supporting provincial unions, asserting that this partnership not only prepares the Drua for the upcoming season but also helps provincial teams like Ba Rugby to improve their skills. With the scheduling delays affecting the upcoming season, Kautoga sees this match as a perfect chance for the players to gain valuable game time.

He emphasized that exposing local players to a different competitive environment is crucial for their development, particularly as the festive season could distract them from their training. Kautoga mentioned that this exposure may even lead to recruitment opportunities with the Drua for standout players.

In another note, Kautoga expressed Ba Rugby’s intention to address the jersey sponsorship issue at the Fiji Rugby Union’s Annual General Meeting. He advocates for an open sponsorship model, allowing them to wear their own BLK merchandise rather than being restricted to jerseys designed by a specific brand. This issue previously led to disqualification in a match, underscoring the need for a more flexible arrangement that supports local sponsorships.

Kautoga also pointed out the communication challenges with Fiji Rugby, indicating that delays in responses can hinder their preparations, especially with changes to competition scheduling.

This proactive approach taken by Ba Rugby illustrates their commitment to improving local rugby by supporting player development through valuable experiences and seeking better operational conditions. Such collaborations between professional teams and local clubs could lead to a flourishing rugby culture in the region, ultimately benefiting athletes and the sport as a whole.