Marist Brothers High School Under-17 player Lepani Bavai has caught the attention of international scouts during the Vodafone Deans Trophy national finals. Last Saturday, he was approached by three scouts after helping his team secure a narrow 17-15 victory over Queen Victoria School in the semi-finals. They are set to face the two-time champions, Ratu Kadavulevu School, in the U17 final this Saturday.
In an interview with SUNsports, Bavai shared that he is currently putting the scout offers on hold to focus on pursuing a career in rugby league. He expressed gratitude toward his parents for their unwavering support throughout his journey.
Reflecting on the semi-final match against QVS, Bavai acknowledged the challenge but credited his teammates for maintaining their composure. He expressed excitement about the upcoming final, emphasizing the honor of representing his school.
MBHS U17 head coach Jonetani Rika commented on their upcoming match, noting that his team would be viewed as underdogs against Ratu Kadavulevu School, a team with a strong reputation in the secondary schools rugby scene. Rika acknowledged the need for improvement after the tightly contested semi-final and emphasized the respect they hold for RKS’s impressive track record.
When asked about future plans should they win the final and qualify for a trip to Japan next year, Rika indicated that their immediate focus remains on the match against RKS. He stressed the importance of balancing rugby with academics for the students.
Bavai, a native of Makadru, Matuku in Lau, also remarked on the increased competitiveness of the Deans Trophy this year, noting that lesser-known schools have been causing upsets in the tournament.