The Lomawai men’s rugby team from Nadroga is eagerly preparing for the Fiji Bitter Nahehevia 7s, which kicks off today at Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka. With a focus on building a young squad for future tournaments, the team is keen to showcase their talent in this prestigious competition.
Head coach Lekima Tuidraki expressed the team’s excitement and aspirations for the tournament, highlighting the youthful spirit of the squad. “We are proud to showcase a squad of young talents in this year’s Nahehevia 7s competition, with many of the players still in high school,” he noted. The commitment to nurturing these young athletes is paramount, as Tuidraki aims to expose them to larger competitions, providing invaluable experience.
The team has dedicated significant effort to preparation throughout the week, concentrating on enhancing their defensive strategies and ball handling—areas identified for improvement. “Our target is to progress to the knockout stages, which would be a significant achievement for the boys,” Tuidraki remarked, emphasizing the ambition and determination of the team.
Acknowledging the challenges ahead, Tuidraki expressed confidence in his players, stating, “We anticipate tough competition from other teams, but I have faith in our players and believe they will perform well.” He also recognized the vital support from the players’ families and their village, which fuels the team’s belief in their potential to excel both on the rugby field and beyond.
The Lomawai team’s journey in the tournament will see them compete in pool F against teams like Post Shop Tabadamu, Flametree Colo-i-Suva, and Nakavou. As they take to the field, hopes are high for a successful outing that could pave the way for the team’s future growth and development in rugby.
This focus on youth and development not only showcases Lomawai’s commitment to fostering local talent but also highlights the importance of community support in sports. As they embark on this journey, fans and supporters eagerly await to see how this young team will rise to the challenge.
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