The Magodro mountain tikina is located in Ba Province, overlooking the ocean to the north and west. This area is characterized by rugged farming lands and consists of seven villages that contribute to a vibrant rural community.
Travel through this region takes one on a winding journey around the Naloto Mountain Range, past the scenic Navala Village in Qaliyalatina, and alongside the east side of the Ba River, typically taking up to two hours by carrier or truck.
In the previous year, the village clubs from Magodro participated in the Ba Industries Cup, Rooster Chicken Shield, and Allied Buses Trophy, which are part of the Ba Tikina Championships. They made it to the semi-finals in the Men’s tournament and secured victory in the Under 19s category.
“Magodro’s inclusion in Ba Rugby in 2023 greatly enhanced the competition,” stated BRU Secretary Gaby Kautoga. “Integrating clubs from the rural areas has been the most gratifying initiative we’ve undertaken in the past 18 months.”
To further develop the sport, Ba Rugby plans to establish a training hub in each tikina, aiming to provide gym equipment, a scrum machine, and sufficient playing fields.
Kautoga believes that Bukuya Village is the ideal location for a training center, as it is centrally situated within the tikina, with the other six villages accessible within 30 minutes.
The BRU Development team recently met with players and management from Bukuya at Koronabuli, a plateau believed to be Fiji’s highest rugby ground. Kautoga mentioned that the rugby field requires more space around its perimeter for compliance, which might involve leveling part of the ground and redistributing soil.
“Having a gym at the same site would be beneficial, even if space is tight,” Kautoga added.
Such facilities would enable players from nearby villages—Tabalei, Tabuquto, Nasivikoso, Navaga, Nadevo, and Tuvavatu—to train effectively.
“This is a long-term vision,” noted Talatala Gaby. “It may take us three to five years to achieve our goals, but our aim is to ensure every part of Ba is involved.”
After visiting Bukuya, the team traveled south towards the Navosa border, descending into a deep valley to reach Navaga Village, which partners with Nadevo to form the Busa Rugby Club. During their journey, they encountered Busa coach Ameniasi Navurai, who was cooking dalo on the roadside. He joined them and guided them to the village.
“We are incredibly grateful to be part of the Ba Club Rugby,” coach Ameniasi expressed. “Participating and training regularly has significantly boosted the players’ spirits. They contribute to the weekly travel expenses, approximately $300, by working on their farms during the week to fund their training.”
The Busa team practices at a small village clearing dubbed ‘Vunamakita,’ equipped with goalposts that lean as precariously as the Tower of Pisa.
Kautoga emphasized the additional social benefits of playing rugby for individuals in these rural communities. “Most players are between 18 and 35 years old, and they lack political influence within the village. However, being part of a rugby team fosters a sense of pride and self-worth among them. It’s remarkable how much rugby contributes to the well-being of these communities.”
Busa is set to compete against fellow local team Yakete in the BRU Shield final today.