It was a day filled with celebration and pride for Kadavu families living in Suva as they came together to honor the success of their rugby team, which recently clinched the Vanua Cup 2025. The festivities unfolded at John Wesley College, attracting a lively gathering of over 100 participants who celebrated with a traditional Vakacirisalusalu ceremony.
Lynda Tabuya, President of Kadavu Rugby, expressed her gratitude and pride in the community’s spirit, stating, “We are indeed honoured to the Vanua of Kadavu here in Suva to come together today to celebrate the win of our men’s team for the Vanua Cup 2025.” Only in their second year since the establishment of Kadavu Rugby in 2023, the team’s achievement represents a significant milestone.
Adding to the community’s joy was the success of the women’s team, who previously won the Ranadi Cup last year and have recently advanced to the semi-finals of the Marama Cup 2025 after winning their quarter-finals against Nadroga. “Our women’s team won the Ranadi Cup last year, and they just won the quarter-finals against Nadroga today, so they have now advanced to the semi-final in the Marama Cup 2025,” Tabuya shared.
The festivities featured plans to transport the victorious players and the trophy back to Tavuki village with the assistance of Goundar Shipping, further highlighting the close-knit support network within the Kadavu community. With deep pride and a strong connection to their homeland, the Kadavu families and rugby enthusiasts demonstrated their unwavering commitment to celebrating their teams and the spirit of rugby.
This victory comes within a broader context of strengthening rugby in Kadavu. The community’s commitment to sporting excellence is not only seen in these competitive successes but also in various initiatives aimed at nurturing local talent. The recent partnership with Axellerate, a sportswear company, is a testimony to the strategic efforts being made to bolster both men’s and women’s teams at the national level.
The story of Kadavu Rugby is one of resilience, growth, and community support, painting a hopeful picture for the future of rugby in the region. With a strong foundation laid in 2023 and remarkable achievements already under their belt, Kadavu’s journey reflects an inspiring narrative within Fijian rugby. The blend of hard work, community pride, and strategic support is setting the stage for continued success in future competitions.
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