After thirty years without a rugby team, Votualevu has finally revived its club, rekindling the area’s rich rugby tradition. Known for nurturing former national rugby sevens and fifteens stars, Votualevu housing subdivision, near Nadi International Airport, was once a renowned rugby breeding ground.
During its prime, the club produced eminent players such as flanker Iokimi ‘Iron Man’ Finau, who captained Nadi and the Flying Fijians in the 1980s. The Rabaka brothers – Samisoni, Tomasi, and Saula – also hailed from this club and played for the Cavaliers under the late Don Collingwood. Samisoni and Tomasi went on to represent the Flying Fijians, while Benji Navunisalevu emerged as a notable winger for the national sevens team.
Apart from rugby stars, the club also produced exceptional footballers like former Nadi and national striker Usaia Visawaqa and Akariva Ramusu.
Club president Waqa Vulawalu emphasized the need to alter the negative perception surrounding the Votualevu Housing area. “We aim to revive the team, which had ceased operations thirty years ago, to transform the community’s outlook,” Vulawalu stated. He highlighted the potential of rugby in securing overseas contracts for young men in the area, providing new opportunities for their families.
With approximately 120 youths in the area, many of whom are school dropouts and unemployed, the club aims to unify them for the community’s betterment. Vulawalu pointed out the opportunity to leverage the Drua franchise as a broader strategy to combat poverty to some extent.
The community has rallied together with a unified vision and mission, cutting across all denominations. The club’s team manager, Vikatoria Rabaka, and team chaplain, Seremaia ‘Tablee’ Visawaqa, have initiated training sessions. They plan to participate in the next rugby sevens tournament and eventually join the Nadi Rugby Union in the foreseeable future.