Votualevu Rugby Club in Nadi is undergoing a significant revival, not only aiming to promote rugby but also to combat drug use and crime within the community. Formerly known simply as Votualevu Rugby Club, it has been rebranded to “Votualevu Say No to Drugs Rugby Club,” reflecting its dual mission to engage local youth in sports and educate them about the dangers of substance abuse.
Established in 1987, Votualevu Rugby Club had once been a prominent part of Fiji’s rugby scene, producing notable players like the Rabaka brothers. However, the club faded over the years until a dedicated group, led by manager Seremaia Visawaqa, decided to bring it back with a renewed focus on addressing community issues.
“We started with nothing, just a few friends who wanted to make a change,” Visawaqa shared. With a mission to foster unity, laughter, and discipline, the club welcomes youth aged eight to under-20s and aims to provide a safe environment, steering them away from crime and addiction. Since the club’s revival, community transformations have begun to take shape—whereas drug paraphernalia was once commonplace, the area now thrives with upward momentum, and crime rates have reportedly declined.
The motto, “Say No to Drugs,” is not merely a tagline; it embodies the club’s commitment to creating a better future for the youth. The club participated in the recent two-day Nadi Rugby Carnival, which saw 817 young players come together, marking a notable step in its journey.
Support from local religious leaders, parents, and sponsors like the Divine America Group has been pivotal in this revival. “This is more than sport; it’s healing,” Visawaqa expressed gratitude for their backing.
Looking ahead, the club has been accepted into the 2025 Nadi Rugby Club Games, where it will compete in various divisions, including senior men’s, women’s, and under-20 categories. Commissioner Western Apolosi Lewaqai, who visited the club recently, encouraged the youth to utilize their talents wisely.
In a community once plagued by addiction, Votualevu Rugby Club is fostering hope. As players hit the field, they are not only chasing the game but building a stronger future for themselves and their communities.
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