After three decades without a rugby team, Votualevu is celebrating the revival of its historic club. Located near Nadi International Airport, Votualevu has a proud legacy of producing some of Fiji’s finest rugby talent.
In its prime, the club nurtured legends like flanker Iokimi ‘Iron Man’ Finau, who notably captained Nadi and the Flying Fijians in the 1980s. The Rabaka brothers—Samisoni, Tomasi, and Saula—also made their mark, representing Fiji under the leadership of the late Don Collingwood and playing for the national sevens team, with Samisoni and Tomasi advancing to the Flying Fijians. Noteworthy sevens player Benji Navunisalevu is another product of the club’s illustrious past. The club’s reach extended beyond rugby, having produced top footballers such as former Nadi and national striker Usaia Visawaqa and Akariva Ramusu.
Club president Waqa Vulawalu highlighted the importance of changing the area’s reputation, which had suffered over the years. “We aim to reposition Votualevu positively by reviving the rugby team that had been defunct for 30 years,” said Vulawalu. He emphasized that rugby could create opportunities for young men in the area, potentially leading to overseas contracts and fresh opportunities for their families.
Vulawalu noted that around 120 youths in the community, many of whom are school dropouts or unemployed, will benefit from this initiative. “Rugby will unite these young men, fostering community improvement and offering a path away from poverty,” he added. The community and various denominations have rallied behind this shared vision and mission.
Vikatoria Rabaka has been appointed the team manager, and Seremaia ‘Tablee’ Visawaqa serves as the team chaplain. “Training has commenced as we prepare to compete in upcoming rugby sevens tournaments and aim to join the Nadi Rugby Union in the near future,” said Vulawalu.
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