Lepani Bavai, a center for the Marist Brothers High School Under-17 rugby team, has attracted the attention of overseas scouts during the Vodafone Deans Trophy national finals. Last Saturday, Bavai was approached by three scouts following his team’s hard-fought 17-15 victory over Queen Victoria School in the semi-finals. Marist Brothers will face two-time champions Ratu Kadavulevu School in the U17 final this Saturday.
In an interview with SUNsports, Bavai mentioned that he is putting aside the offers from the scouts for now, expressing his desire to pursue a career in rugby league. He acknowledged the unwavering support of his parents, crediting them as his number one fans from the start.
Reflecting on the semi-final match against QVS, Bavai described it as challenging but expressed gratitude to his teammates for maintaining their composure under pressure. He is excited about the upcoming final, appreciating the opportunity to represent his school.
MBHS U17 head coach Jonetani Rika stated that they will enter the final as the underdogs. He noted the tight nature of their last game and emphasized the need for improvement, particularly against Ratu Kadavulevu School, a team with an impressive championship record.
Rika described their upcoming match as a “David and Goliath battle” and expressed confidence in his team’s potential despite the challenges ahead. When asked about plans for a possible trip to Japan next year if they win the final, he stated that their immediate focus is on the match against RKS and ensuring that players continue their academic pursuits after the competition.
Bavai, who hails from Makadru, Matuku in Lau, remarked on the increased competition level in this year’s Deans Trophy, highlighting unexpected upsets caused by lesser-known schools.