After a 12-year wait, the Nasinu Secondary School Under-18 rugby team has successfully advanced past the Vodafone Deans Trophy quarterfinals. Coach Semisi Yasiyasi noted that the last time the team reached this stage was in 2012.
This Saturday, the Southern Zone champions will compete against Cuvu College in the Deans Trophy semifinal at HFC Bank Stadium in Suva. They previously secured their semifinal spot by defeating Tailevu North College 17-13 in the quarterfinal.
Yasiyasi emphasized the hard work and commitment that led the boys to this achievement. “Like any other team, the boys have made sacrifices and while they feel confident, they have chosen to stay humble,” he remarked.
He acknowledged the strong competition posed by Cuvu College, which recently upset Ratu Kadavulevu School with a score of 23-22. “This week, we’ll focus on refining certain areas of our game that require improvement,” Yasiyasi added.
Nasinu Secondary School has a rich history of producing outstanding rugby talent, including notable players such as Lemeki Koroi, Setareki Tawake, former France winger Virimi Vakatawa, Sakeo Raloa, and current Wallabies winger Marika Koroibete.
Yasiyasi has called upon former students of Nasinu Secondary School, as well as parents and guardians, to rally support for the team in their upcoming semifinal match.