Malolo District Primary School experienced an extraordinary day yesterday as the excitement of Vuvale Week unfolded on their grounds. A total of 166 students were thrilled to welcome Fijian Drua players, along with rugby legends, who visited the school to celebrate the strong rugby ties between Fiji and Australia.
Players from the Drua men’s team, including Epeli Momo and Maleli Nauvasi, joined women’s stars Evivi Senikarivi, Repeka Tove, Josivini Naihamu, and Kolora Lomani. They engaged with the students, imparting valuable rugby skills and inspiring the youth to aspire to greatness in the sport. The atmosphere was electric, with students enthusiastically participating and absorbing every lesson.
Navitalai Gasewa, a teacher at the school, expressed his gratitude for the experience, noting how it would positively impact their Under-14 team, which is the defending Kaji Rugby champions. “The students learned a lot from their rugby heroes. Some saw Nemani Nadolo for the first time, and they were just mesmerized,” he remarked.
Nemani Nadolo, a former Flying Fijians star, emphasized the importance of community engagement in rugby. “This is what rugby is all about, giving back, inspiring the younger generation, and keeping the love for the game alive. It was wonderful to see the joy on their faces,” he stated.
The initiative was made possible through a collaboration between Rugby Australia, the Fiji Rugby Union, and the PacificAus Sports program, supported by the Australian Government. Dani Millis, Head of Pacific Partnership at Rugby Australia, underscored the significance of Vuvale Week, highlighting the deep-rooted connection between Fiji and Australia through rugby. “Our commitment goes beyond just elite-level rugby; we want to see the sport grow at all levels, especially in grassroots communities like Malolo,” Millis said.
The day was more than just a series of training sessions; it served as a profound reminder of the connections forged through sports, highlighting cultural ties and community bonds between the two nations. As the students interacted with their idols, it provided them with a vision of what is achievable, igniting dreams of one day donning the Drua jersey.
For the young rugby fans of Malolo, the day transcended the usual school routine—it was a moment that blended passion and opportunity, showcasing the transformative power of rugby in fostering hope and ambition in future generations.
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