The Nasinu Secondary School Under-18 rugby team has reached the Vodafone Deans Trophy semifinals for the first time in 12 years, having last advanced past the quarterfinals in 2012. Under the guidance of coach Semisi Yasiyasi, the team, which secured the Southern Zone championship, will take on Cuvu College this Saturday at Suva’s HFC Bank Stadium. They earned this spot by narrowly defeating Tailevu North College 17-13 in the quarterfinal matchup.
Yasiyasi praised the team’s hard work and dedication, emphasizing that their journey to this stage involved significant sacrifices. Despite their confidence, he noted that the boys are committed to staying humble.
He also acknowledged the challenge ahead, as Cuvu College upset Ratu Kadavulevu School with a close score of 23-22 in their quarterfinal. Yasiyasi stated that the focus for the week would be on improving specific aspects of their game.
Over the years, Nasinu Secondary School has a history of producing notable rugby talent, including Lemeki Koroi, Setareki Tawake, former France winger Virimi Vakatawa, Sakeo Raloa, and the current Wallabies winger Marika Koroibete. Yasiyasi has called on former students and the community for support in the upcoming semifinal.