The Macuata Rugby men’s team is set to rely on local talent in their quest for a top-four finish in the Skipper Cup competition this season. They will face Nadroga at Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka for the opening match this Saturday. Vice-president of the Macuata Rugby Union (MRU), Jioji Vuakaca, stated that the introduction of two new zones, Macuata Central and Macuata South, has expanded their player pool, allowing them to field homegrown athletes.
Vuakaca emphasized that while they do not have any current or former national representatives in their squad, their main objective is to finish in the top four and earn a chance to contest the Farebrother-Sullivan Trophy, which has eluded them for many years. This season holds particular pressure for the team, being the only representative from Vanua Levu in the Skipper Cup.
The team is scheduled to play nine matches, with four of those at their home ground, Subrail Park. The first home game is against Ba, and Vuakaca expressed the desire to build a consistent winning streak to establish Macuata as a formidable competitor in the league. He noted that they have also adopted a decentralized model for club matches to engage fans better, including hosting their last round of games at Korovuli Youth Sports ground in Seaqaqa.
Vuakaca’s vision for MRU revolves around strengthening the local rugby community and creating opportunities for players to shine, reinforcing a broader goal of enhancing the sport’s profile in the region.
This strategic approach not only aims to improve the team’s performance on the field but also strengthens the bond with their fanbase, highlighting a positive direction for rugby in Macuata.
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