Covenant Blues held firm under pressure to beat Nabua Maroons 20-10 at Buckhurst Ground in Suva on October 25, 2023, claiming a morale-boosting victory in round three of the Suva Rugby Escort Shield. The result stands out not only for the scoreline but for the context: a squad featuring many players new to this level of competition that had its preparation disrupted by cyclone warnings during the week.
Head coach Koroi Kolinisau hailed the win as encouraging given the circumstances. “We are grateful for the win, especially considering the difficulties we faced this week. Many of our players are new to this level, so to come away with a victory against a team like Nabua is very encouraging,” he said, linking the performance to the club’s wider aims. Kolinisau also referenced his younger brother, Osea Kolinisau — the former Fiji sevens captain and current national sevens coach — as part of the rugby pedigree surrounding the team.
Founded in 2002 as Covenant Brothers Rugby Club Ministry, the Covenant Blues have long pitched rugby as a vehicle for social development. Kolinisau reiterated that purpose after the match: “Our purpose is to utilise the talents God has given these boys, helping them build character and find opportunities both locally and abroad.” That community focus remains central as the club fields many teenagers who might otherwise be exposed to negative influences, including drug abuse, he said.
On the field, the Blues’ young forwards made a decisive impact. Kolinisau singled out the tight-end scrummaging of players aged as young as 18 and 19, which played a direct part in earning a penalty try during the game. The coach said the emergence of these youngsters — particularly in specialist positions such as hooker, tight-end and half-deck — has been vital, especially as some of the club’s more experienced players have moved overseas.
Despite the win, Kolinisau warned that Covenant Blues have clear areas to sharpen ahead of their next fixture. “Two key areas we need to focus on are communication and board combination within our structured pattern of play. Our boys tend to play open, typical Fijian rugby, but we are working towards a more disciplined, structured approach,” he said, underlining the coaching staff’s intent to blend flair with greater tactical cohesion.
The result is the latest sign of how grassroots clubs are investing in youth pathways and structured development in Suva’s competitive grades. Covenant’s victory, achieved amid disrupted training and a youthful squad, highlights both the risks and rewards of relying on emerging talent — and underlines the club’s role in offering sporting and social opportunities for young players in the capital.
Leave a comment