The search for the next generation of rugby talent for Kadavu Rugby has commenced at the Namalata School ground in Vunisea. The Kadavu Rugby Union has organized a three-day Southern Rally which includes teams from four major tikina: Nabukelevu, Tavuki, Nakasaleka, and Naceva.
The senior men’s division features two pools, each consisting of four teams, while the under-19 category has a single pool with four teams from which the top two will advance directly to the semi-finals.
“We have organized the Southern Rally to attract players to this platform, allowing us to select an extended squad of sixty players for training in preparation for the Vanua competition scheduled for January,” explained Rusiate Wadali, vice-president of the Kadavu Rugby Union.
To meet Fiji Rugby’s requirement for a 60-player pool, the KRU plans to select a larger group, which will ultimately be reduced as the season approaches. “Our registration target is around 60, but given the large pool, we’re aiming to enlist between 80 to 120 players. This extended squad will be trimmed down during training,” Wadali added.
He expressed gratitude for the strong support shown by various villagers on the island and anticipates an even larger turnout for the finals on Friday. The rally kicked off yesterday with the first round of pool matches.