The Raiwaqa Flyers touch rugby team recently had an extraordinary and enriching experience at the Queensland State Cup competition, taking place last week in Australia. This event marked a historic moment as it was the first time a Fijian club was invited to join the prestigious tournament in Brisbane, where they competed alongside more than 40 teams from across Australia.
The squad, consisting of players aged 16 to 20, had the unique opportunity not just to compete but also to fully engage in the rugby culture. Jalesi Young, the president of Touch Federation Fiji, expressed that the QLD State Cup provided an incredible learning experience for the team. “The QLD State Cup was a memorable and exceptional competition of learning for our boys,” Young noted. He highlighted the exposure, valuable lessons, and new friendships that contributed significantly to the players’ development.
The Touch Federation Fiji is dedicated to positively impacting the lives of youth in the community through touch rugby. Their initiatives include creating a holistic development program that offers empowerment and pathways for young individuals to excel in various aspects of life.
During the competition, the Raiwaqa Flyers played seven games, achieving three wins and facing four losses. Young, reflecting on the young team’s performance, noted their outstanding play given the competitive level in the Open side division. He emphasized that the team learned the crucial discipline needed for mastering the fundamental skills of the game.
The Raiwaqa Flyers wish to thank QLD Touch Football and the QUNCC committee for the warm invitation, as well as WYAM Gold Coast, the Ofa Tukuna Family for their generous hospitality, and the Fijian community in Gold Coast and Brisbane for their tremendous support throughout the event.
This experience not only showcased their talent on an international stage but also fostered connections and personal growth, proving the profound impact of sports in young people’s lives.
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