The Nasinu Secondary School Under-18 rugby team has reached the Vodafone Deans Trophy semifinals for the first time in 12 years. Coach Semisi Yasiyasi noted that the last time the team progressed beyond the quarterfinal stage was in 2012.
This Saturday, the Southern Zone champions will take on Cuvu College in the semifinals at Suva’s HFC Bank Stadium, following their narrow quarterfinal victory against Tailevu North College, which ended 17-13.
Yasiyasi emphasized the hard work and dedication that has brought the team to this point. While they are confident, he mentioned that the players have chosen to remain humble despite their achievements.
He acknowledges the challenge posed by Cuvu College, which recently defeated Ratu Kadavulevu School with a score of 23-22. “This week, we’ll focus on improving certain aspects of our game,” he added.
Nasinu Secondary School has a rich history of producing exceptional rugby talent, including notable players like Lemeki Koroi, Setareki Tawake, former France winger Virimi Vakatawa, Sakeo Raloa, and current Wallabies winger Marika Koroibete.
Yasiyasi has urged former students, as well as parents and guardians, to support the team in their upcoming semifinal match.