The Taikita Brothers, an emerging grassroots rugby team from Vatukaloko, Ra, are poised to make their debut at the McDonald’s Fiji Coral Coast 7s next week. Scheduled to take place from Thursday to Saturday at Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka, this tournament features 16 men’s teams, including top local and international contenders.

Despite being formed less than a year ago, the Taikita Brothers have already showcased their growth, participating in three Fiji Bitter 7s tournaments and gaining valuable experience. Team manager Mosese Bokini expressed the team’s excitement about competing in such a significant event. “We haven’t been around for long and it’s tough managing the boys, but we are in a position to take on the best,” Bokini said.

The team was established by local village boys, many of whom work as farmers, as a way to foster a sense of identity and steer young athletes away from negative influences. Bokini emphasized, “We created this club to encourage the boys to engage in sports rather than drugs that can harm their reputations.”

As the only grassroots team in their journey toward qualifying for the Fiji international 7s, their aim is to play against some of the best talents in the world, including established Fiji stars. Bokini remarked, “We want to inspire other grassroots teams by showing them that nothing is impossible.”

Competing against elite international teams will serve as a powerful motivation for the players, who have been preparing by studying Fiji 7s and Drua matches online. Bokini extended gratitude to their supporters from Vatukaloko and the community in Semo, Nadroga, for their ongoing support and encouragement.

“This journey represents our vanua and our love for rugby. We are ready to showcase our best,” he said. The Taikita Brothers are looking forward to competing at a high level and demonstrating that even grassroots teams can aspire to great achievements in rugby.

This upcoming appearance at the Coral Coast 7s represents an exciting opportunity not only for the Taikita Brothers but also for young athletes across Fiji, showing that dedication and teamwork can lead to remarkable achievements, regardless of a team’s experience. The atmosphere is likely to be electric, filled with support and enthusiasm for these emerging players.