Lautoka Delana Primary School is making a return to the Lautoka Primary Schools Rugby Festival after a one-year hiatus.
The festival, spanning two days, is set to commence at Churchill Park today and will allow the school to display its rugby talents.
Last year, the school did not participate in the Kaji rugby competition due to a bus accident in Banaras, Lautoka, involving its students. This year, around 125 students are set to take part in the festival.
School coach Sekove Vadei praised the Lautoka Primary Schools Rugby Association’s decision to transform the event from a competition to a festival, aligning with World Rugby’s values of discipline, respect, integrity, passion, and solidarity, and focusing on player development.
“I’m glad they have changed the event from competition to festival,” said Vadei. “Our school missed out last year due to the bus accident which resulted in several injuries. After a school meeting, we decided to withdraw from the competition.”
This year, students have been cleared to play after assessments by the Ministry of Health.
The school will field teams across multiple age categories: Under-9, U10, U11, U12, and U14 in the boys’ (Vesi) division, and U10, U12, and U14 in the Rosi (girls) division.
Vadei emphasized their focus on fitness training and skill development, aided by the Get Into Rugby program, which provided kits, tag rugby equipment, and coaching support.
“We are focusing on our fitness and developing our skills, and we thank the Get Into Rugby program for their support,” Vadei said. “So far, we have received good support from our families, friends, and teachers working the whole day.”
The team has also been inspired by Lekima Tagitagivalu, a former student and current FIJI Water Flying Fijians flanker. “His story is a motivation for our students as well when they play,” Vadei remarked.