Fiji 7s winger Vuiviawa Naduvalo has made a significant entrance into the Rugby Premier League, filling in for the injured Jerry Tuwai on the Mumbai Dreamers. Tuwai’s knee injury limited his participation, allowing Naduvalo to showcase his talents right from the get-go. In his debut match on Monday, he scored a vital try, helping the Dreamers to secure a 17-all draw against the Kalinga Black Tigers. This draw marked a positive addition to Mumbai’s standing, as they earned their first point in the league.
Teammate Henry Hutchison praised Naduvalo’s commitment, noting he arrived directly from the airport to join the team at the stadium. “Viwa came straight from the airport; that’s huge commitment,” Hutchison said. Despite Naduvalo’s promising start, the Dreamers faced challenges in their subsequent match against the Kalinga Black Tigers, suffering a 33-5 loss.
Coached by Tim Walsh, the Mumbai Dreamers, which includes seasoned players like Waisea Nacuqu and Elias Hancock, have struggled to find their footing in the league. Hutchison acknowledged the ongoing effort of the team to learn and grow together, highlighting the daily improvements of the Indian players within their squad. However, the overall team performance remains a work in progress, as they currently sit at the bottom of the league table with just one point after eight games.
As the Rugby Premier League progresses, fans remain hopeful that the Mumbai Dreamers will learn from these experiences and continue to develop as a competitive team in the evolving rugby scene of India. The tournament not only showcases international talent but serves as a platform for local players to gain experience and grow in a vibrant sporting environment.
The involvement of Fijian rugby stars in this inaugural league is a testament to rugby’s increasing popularity in India, paving the way for future talent and more engaging matches. With each game, there’s optimism that the Mumbai Dreamers can build on their experiences and improve their standing as the tournament unfolds.
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