Former Flying Fijians forwards coach Senirusi Seruvakula played a crucial role in Queen Victoria School’s 27-13 victory over Nasinu Secondary School in the Vodafone Deans Trophy grand final. This was confirmed by QVS Under-18 head coach Josaia Waiwalu on Saturday night.
Waiwalu described Seruvakula as the team’s technical coach and highlighted his significant contributions. “He is the best coach in the Pacific at the moment. We are learning a lot from him as he is also an alumnus of the school,” Waiwalu stated, expressing gratitude for Seruvakula’s involvement in the team.
Earlier this year, Seruvakula was considered for the head coach position of the Flying Fijians. He previously led the Fijian Drua to victory in the Australia National Rugby Championship in 2018 and coached the Fiji women’s rugby team at the 2022 Women’s Rugby World Cup, where they triumphed over South Africa 21-17. Last year, he served as the forwards coach for the Flying Fijians during the Rugby World Cup, which saw the team reach the quarterfinals.
Waiwalu indicated the team was well-prepared to defend the Deans Trophy against a strong opponent, focusing on maintaining possession throughout the match. “We discussed having faith at the beginning of the year, and we finally witnessed that,” he remarked. He noted that the team’s composition included students from diverse backgrounds, emphasizing their unity. “We play for each other, as many of us have unfortunate stories, and we formed a strong bond this season,” he explained.
This victory is significant for QVS, marking their 25th win of the Deans Trophy, which Waiwalu referred to as a cherished title among Tailevu schools.
In another highlight, QVS captain and first-five eighth Anare Tabakaucoro expressed his aspirations to advance his rugby career by playing for the Fijian Drua. “I want to play professionally and stay in Fiji to be close to my mother,” he shared. Tabakaucoro showcased his leadership during the final, effectively managing the game. He reflected, “This is my last year, and I want to give back to the school.” He also acknowledged the inspiration drawn from their parents, stating, “Most of us players are raised single-handed, and we dedicate this win to them.”