The return to their home ground has been a joyful experience for four members of the Kadavu Swire Shipping Fijian Drua men’s squad. Halfback Philip Baselala, Simione Kuruvoli, Kemu Valetini, and fullback Vuate Karawalevu are currently participating in a pre-season camp at Namalata, Kadavu this week.
The team kicked off their training sessions at the Namalata Central School grounds on Tuesday, beginning with a traditional welcome ceremony. Kuruvoli, 25, who is originally from Nabouwalu in Ono, Kadavu, expressed that this opportunity allowed him to reconnect with his family heritage. He stated, “It means a lot. We don’t come here often, especially the Western gang; for the Kadavu boys, it’s good to come and connect with family and our villages. We’ve enjoyed the training and giving back to the players back here at home, especially to the young kids.”
Karawalevu, who hails from Dravuwalu, echoed these sentiments and shared his excitement: “I’m glad that having our pre-season here was possible. This is a great getaway, especially for those visiting Kadavu for the first time.” Baselala, from Solotavui, Nakasaleka, added, “It means a lot to me to be on my home soil. We can bond as a team here and show my teammates my beautiful island – the hidden paradise.”
The Drua squad also engaged in a unique training session on the open sea at Namalata Bay, where they participated in a challenging boat race exercise, entertaining villagers who came out to watch and cheer.
Head coach Glen Jackson noted that the combination of the boat trip, pleasant weather, and the traditional kava ceremony made for an enriching experience. Enhancing the connection, Nacani Cawanibuka, the Drua’s head of athletic performance, also comes from Kadavu. The squad is set to return tomorrow (Friday).
This heartwarming gathering not only allows the players to strengthen their connection to their roots but also fosters community engagement and inspires the next generation of rugby players in their home islands. The Drua team’s commitment to giving back to local communities highlights the positive impact sports can have beyond the field.
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