The Gospel High School Under-15 rugby team’s strong self-belief has been a key factor in their successful Vodafone Deans Trophy campaign, according to principal Iliesa Parker’s comments made to SUNsports. GHS achieved a significant upset by defeating the favored Ratu Kadavulevu School 12-7 in the quarterfinals last Saturday.
Parker mentioned that the coaching staff has been focusing on certain areas for improvement as they prepare for the semi-finals. He expressed concern over some players dealing with minor injuries, hoping for their recovery by Saturday.
He praised the team’s remarkable performance against RKS, emphasizing that this is the first time GHS has reached the Deans semi-finals in any grade, marking a historic achievement for the school. The team enjoys strong support from parents, alumni, and school management, which Parker noted as vital.
The principal also commended the coaching staff, highlighting their role in developing the players’ skills. He advised the players to maintain discipline both in school and on the field and to concentrate on their game preparation. The players are particularly excited about playing in a stadium setting for the first time on Saturday, facing the champion team Marist, whom they have not encountered this season.
Parker expressed the honor of going up against the defending champions and called on GHS rugby supporters to wear the school’s colors of pink, white, and blue to show their support on Saturday. He invited fans to come out in large numbers to cheer for the team and wished good luck to the other schools participating in the semi-finals.