After a hiatus of three decades, the Votualevu rugby team has been revived. The Votualevu housing subdivision, located near Nadi International Airport, has historically been a nurturing ground for numerous national rugby sevens and fifteens stars.
In its prime, the club produced iconic players such as flanker Iokimi ‘Iron Man’ Finau, who captained both Nadi and the Flying Fijians in the 1980s, as well as the Rabaka brothers, Samisoni, Tomasi, and Saula, who played for the Cavaliers under the late Don Collingwood’s leadership. The Rabaka brothers were part of the national sevens team, with Samisoni and Tomasi also representing the Flying Fijians. Another notable player from the club is Benji Navunisalevu, a renowned sevens winger.
The club also contributed to Fijian football by producing standout players like former Nadi and national striker Usaia Visawaqa and Akariva Ramusu.
Club president Waqa Vulawalu highlighted that the Votualevu Housing area has faced various challenges and negative perceptions in recent times. “We want to change the perception of the area, and one of the ways is to bring back the team, which had gone defunct 30 years ago,” Vulawalu said. He believes that rugby can help many young men from the area secure contracts with overseas clubs, thereby improving their families’ lives.
Vulawalu stated, “We have about 120 youths in the area, most of whom are school dropouts and unemployed. We want to bring them together for the betterment of the community.” He emphasized the potential benefits of connecting with the Drua franchise and addressing issues like poverty to some extent.
The community, along with various denominations, has united for this common vision and mission. The club’s team manager is Vikatoria Rabaka, and Seremaia ‘Tablee’ Visawaqa serves as the team chaplain.
Training has already begun for participation in the upcoming rugby sevens tournament, with plans to field a team in the Nadi Rugby Union in the near future.