The Ra Sports Ground buzzed with excitement yesterday as the Ra Primary Schools Rugby Association hosted its finals, captivating over 500 young rugby enthusiasts from five clusters. The day was marked not just by competition, but by a celebration of grassroots rugby with participants ranging from under-9 to under-14 ages, totaling an impressive 52 teams.
The atmosphere was lively and vibrant, as parents, teachers, and supporters gathered in droves, filling the ground with singing, traditional dances, and cheers. Association president Pasikali Navukula explained, “This tournament is more than a final; it’s Ra’s festival. Each cluster selects the top players after their internal games, showcasing community pride and nurturing the next generation of rugby players.”
Among the enthusiastic clusters were teams from Naseyani Primary and Drauniivi Public School, as well as Nanuku Sangam, Sudha Primary, and Naroko Primary from the Western Force group. The finals not only served to crown champions but also highlighted the unity, sportsmanship, and celebratory spirit that permeated through the young athletes of Ra.
Previously, the successes of local teams like the Ra High Roosters, who recently made their mark by securing the Fiji Teachers Association Cup 2025, indicate a bright future for rugby in the community. Their victory not only reflects their skills but also resonates with the growing pride in local rugby programs. This echoes the sentiments felt during other tournaments, such as the Nadroga Central Cluster Rugby Association competition that brought various schools together, aptly demonstrating the collective effort to promote youth sports in Fiji.
The Ra Sports Ground event not only showcased emerging rugby talent but also reinforced the vital role such competitions play in fostering community engagement and pride. The upbeat day serves as a promising reminder of the positive spirit surrounding youth sports in Fiji, which continues to inspire aspiring athletes and unite communities.
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