The Nabau Brothers under 18-21 team from Nakorotubu, Ra, dedicated three weeks to prepare for their debut at the Fiji Bitter Wairiki 7s Carnival. Coach Peni Radau reflected on their experience, noting that their match against Village Boys Black ended in a narrow loss of 10-12. This was the team’s first exposure to the Wairiki tournament, as well as their inaugural visit to Taveuni.
Radau highlighted that their participation in the tournament went beyond competitive play; it served as an opportunity for the young athletes to explore Taveuni, a location they had only heard about prior to the trip. He stated that the team had two main objectives: to compete in the tournament and to experience the beauty of Taveuni, which many had never visited before.
Despite facing financial hurdles leading up to the event, the group received generous support from the vanua (community), enabling them to participate in the tournament. Radau expressed heartfelt gratitude to the supporters and families of the team, recognizing their crucial role in facilitating this journey.
This experience not only provided the team with on-field lessons but also enriched their personal growth, showing the power of community support and the importance of sports in bringing people together. Their challenges serve as a reminder that perseverance, teamwork, and the encouragement of a supportive community can help overcome obstacles and achieve goals.
Overall, the journey of the Nabua Brothers team reflects a positive narrative of resilience, teamwork, and community spirit. Their participation in the Wairiki 7s is just the beginning of what promises to be a bright future in rugby for these young players.
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