Former Ratu Kadavulevu School (RKS) pupil Josese Batirerega, now part of Fiji’s national sevens squad, is backing his old school to reach the Deans Under-18 final as they meet Suva Grammar School in the second semifinal tomorrow. Batirerega, who helped RKS clinch the Deans title in 2018 alongside Fiji stars Sireli Maqala and Meli Tuni, sent a simple message to the current team: “To our brothers from school preparing for the semifinals tomorrow, we just want to wish you all the best and hope that victory will be ours in the end.” The message underscores the pride and continuity in RKS’s proud rugby tradition as they chase another title.
RKS will be chasing their championship dreams and another chapter in their storied rugby history in the 2025 Vodafone Deans and Weet-Bix Raluve semifinals. The action will unfold at the HFC Bank Stadium, with accompanying fixtures at Buckhurst Park and Bidesi Ground tomorrow. Selected matches will be broadcast live on FBC Sports and FBC 2, and overseas viewers can watch live via www.Viti.Plus for 59FJD.
Additional context and value:
– The Deans and Raluve semifinals are part of Fiji’s strong school rugby pipeline, a system that regularly features former national players returning as coaches and mentors, helping to develop young talent and provide clearer pathways to higher levels of the sport.
– Similar coverage across the season has highlighted ex-internationals like Nacanieli Saumi, Saiasi Fuli, Esala Nauga, Setefano Samoca, and Tiko Matawalu contributing to various programs, reinforcing the broader development story behind these youth competitions.
– The weekend typically includes multiple age-group semifinals across Suva venues, with live broadcasting to boost visibility and fan engagement for Fiji’s school rugby.
Summary: RKS’s push to the Deans Under-18 final is boosted by the support of a former alumnus now in the national sevens squad, as the Deans semifinals bring together Fiji’s top youth teams across Suva’s venues with extensive broadcast coverage and strong alumni involvement.
Positive note: The continued involvement of former national players in coaching and mentoring bodes well for Fiji’s rugby development, offering young players high-level guidance and inspiring long-term growth for the sport at the school level.
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