Devo Babas will take the field at the 39th Fiji Bitter Nawaka 7s aiming to honour the memory of their late teammate, Constable Peniasi Racagi, who was killed while on duty in Lami 18 days ago. The team’s participation in the tournament comes after a period of grief and uncertainty, with organisers granting the side special permission to compete despite initial plans to withdraw.
Team manager Isoa Natui said preparations have been emotionally challenging as players cope with the sudden loss of the 24-year-old police officer. “It’s not an easy time for the team right now, especially as we prepare for the Nawaka 7s while also dealing with the loss of our teammate, who was a police officer,” Natui said, noting that team executives travelled to Bua last week to attend Racagi’s funeral. He thanked the organising committee — singling out Osea for support — and sponsors who encouraged the squad to stay strong and compete.
Authorities have said Racagi was killed while on duty and an investigation into his death is ongoing. Organisers and the club have not released further details on the circumstances pending the inquiry. Natui reiterated that the focus for the team remains on supporting each other as they balance grieving with match preparations.
Devo Babas were initially not expected to take part in the Nawaka 7s but were given the all-clear to join the competition at the request of their executives and backers. They have been drawn in Pool 1 alongside Newtown Brothers, Bukuya Cowboys and Dominion Brothers. The Babas will open their campaign against Newtown Brothers at 8am on the tournament’s opening day, with fans able to watch live coverage on FBC 2.
The Nawaka 7s is one of the country’s longstanding sevens fixtures, and Devo Babas have been a prominent force in the domestic circuit. The side claimed the Fiji Bitter Marist 7s title earlier this year, underlining their pedigree as they head into a tournament now tinged with personal loss.
As the investigation into Racagi’s death continues, the club has framed its participation as a tribute to their teammate’s memory. How the emotional toll affects their on-field performance will be closely watched, both by local supporters and the wider sevens community tuning in to FBC 2.
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