Fiji Rugby Union (FRU) chairman John Sanday has lauded the Fiji Bitter Labasa 7s tournament, highlighting its strong potential to develop into one of the premier rugby competitions in the nation. During his visit to Labasa for the event, Sanday expressed a personal connection to the region, noting that much of his early rugby career took shape in the Northern Division.
“It’s a wonderful competition. It has the potential to be one of the best in Fiji. I have a very soft spot for Labasa because I played most of my young man rugby here,” he shared. Sanday emphasized the importance of allowing the Labasa Sevens to grow and improve, seeing it as a valuable platform for young players to cultivate their talents.
He remarked on the impressive skill level displayed in the Under-21 category, stating, “There’s some really good talent out there. That’s the first thing that we need to harness and what we need to build up and bring to develop those young men. I’m impressed with the talent there. It’s looking good.”
Sanday reflected on his own journey, attributing his development as a player to similar grassroots competitions. He underscored the vital role tournaments like the Labasa 7s play in nurturing future rugby talent, reiterating his commitment to grassroots initiatives. “I came from this kind of competition. This is where I found and expressed myself to become a good rugby player,” he explained.
His attendance at the tournament signified FRU’s dedicated focus on supporting grassroots rugby development. Sanday stated, “I’ve travelled all the way to Labasa to come and attend. It’s just to show that we at FRU are serious about grassroots. We’re here to develop and we’re going to develop.” Despite facing limited resources, he assured that FRU would continue to invest in grassroots initiatives, emphasizing the organization’s commitment to making rugby accessible and nurturing young talent in Fiji.
As rugby continues to play a crucial role in shaping the lives of young people, Sanday’s efforts and vision provide a hopeful outlook for the future of the sport in Fiji, fostering not just athletic prowess but also personal development among youth.
Leave a comment