Ratu Kadavulevu School has focused on nurturing talent for its under-17 rugby team over the past three years, aiming to maintain its legacy of producing champions. Following the team’s triumph in the Vodafone Super Deans U15 title in 2022, several players transitioned to opportunities with overseas clubs.
The coaching staff took on the challenge of developing a new group of players, and their efforts paid off as the team secured the U17 trophy by defeating Marist Brothers High School 35-34 in a thrilling match. Assistant team manager Metuisela Niufuka expressed pride in the players’ accomplishments, crediting their dedicated preparation for the win.
“We had nine players from last year’s final move on, but we’ve developed another strong group of nine who may also have opportunities to go abroad,” Niufuka stated. He emphasized that thorough preparation is crucial for success, indicating that 90% of the outcome relies on rigorous training and discipline.
The match showcased intense competition, with both teams scoring three tries in the first half. However, RKS led 21-17 at halftime thanks to Lemeki Ravukivuki’s successful conversions. Niufuka noted that halftime adjustments were crucial, and he praised the players for following instructions diligently.
The second half mirrored the intensity of the first, with both teams exchanging tries. Near the end, a strong defensive effort from RKS was pivotal in sealing the victory as they managed to thwart Marist’s final attacking surge. From the championship-winning 2022 squad, three players have secured contracts with clubs in Japan, New Zealand, and Australia.