The Lautoka Rugby Union has reintroduced its Franchise competition as a strategic move to keep players engaged and ready for the forthcoming Skipper Cup season, which has been pushed back to August. Lautoka Rugby Union Secretary Setariki Rakoto emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating it offers vital game time for an expanded player pool that could have faced an extended off-season.
“The league provides an opportunity for our extended squad to stay active,” Rakoto explained. After a seven-week period of competition, the union aims to select a core squad that will undergo dedicated training for three months ahead of the Skipper Cup.
This revived competition, initially launched back in 2008 and 2009, will feature six teams: Vuda Giants, City Steelers, Vanua Crushers, Duavata Force, Sukanacagi Chiefs, and City Highlanders, each consisting of five clubs under the guidance of Level 2 coaches. The long-term goal is to cultivate more Level 3 coaches to enhance player and coaching capabilities in the region.
With approximately 170 to 180 players participating, the Lautoka Rugby Union’s goal is to narrow down to a core squad of 45 to 50 players by the end of the competition. Addressing potential overlaps with the Skipper Cup, Rakoto assured that the Franchise competition is structured to complement, not hinder, their overall campaign.
This development coincides with a national push to address gender disparities in rugby, as previous competitions have increasingly focused on incorporating women’s teams. The introduction of female competitions echoes similar efforts across Fiji, highlighting a growing dedication to inclusivity in sports. This trend is seen as a hopeful indicator for the future of women’s rugby, fostering a supportive environment for female athletes and broadening opportunities within the sport.
Overall, the revival of the Franchise competition represents a significant step towards bolstering talent development and enhancing the competitiveness of rugby in Lautoka and across Fiji.
Leave a comment