Nakasaleka rugby head coach Vilikesa Vulakauvaki has taken responsibility for recent issues stemming from officials’ involvement at the Kadavu Rugby Union’s Southern Rally. He noted that Nakasaleka entered two teams in the senior division and one in the under-19 competition.
Vulakauvaki expressed concern about the mentality of officials, stating that if they shifted away from traditional practices, many of the complications could have been avoided. He outlined that on the second day of the event, Nakasaleka officials informed him that Nakasaleka One would have to forfeit its semi-final match against Nakasaleka Two. Moreover, those same officials asked the organizers to declare the under-19 team champions due to their success in the round-robin stage, a move that angered other competing teams and led to some vacating the venue.
He highlighted that during their discussions, it was clear that officials were not acting in accordance with the agreed decisions, which disappointed players who were already preparing to leave. Vulakauvaki emphasized that their focus should be on the growth of the sport, warning that officials’ attitudes could threaten the aspirations of players wanting to represent Kadavu.
In support of Vulakauvaki’s views, Kadavu Rugby Union vice-president Rusiate Wadali echoed the need for the sport to be kept independent from traditional governance. He described the recent events as minor and stressed the importance of separating the rugby union from the influence of traditional practices to ensure progress.
Wadali confirmed that the union plans to present its strategy at an upcoming meeting with local chiefs and that it aims to secure support to maintain the independence of rugby’s progression in Kadavu. He conveyed the message to local leaders that the traditional mindset should not interfere with the governance of the sport, emphasizing the need for a collaborative approach moving forward.