Tuvalu’s participation in this year’s Nadi Junior Rugby Festival has emerged as one of the tournament’s most uplifting narratives, representing a significant milestone for a nation that has faced numerous challenges in terms of facilities, resources, and competitive exposure in rugby.
For many young athletes on the team, this event marked not only their debut in international competition but also their first experience venturing beyond the borders of Tuvalu. Head coach Alama Elisaia emphasized the critical need for such exposure, particularly given the limitations they deal with in their home country.
“The whole purpose of our tour here was just to expose our boys. These are all new boys as they have been just playing local rugby at home on the runway. This is a good chance for them to absorb as much as we can from other Fijian clubs and other teams,” said Elisaia.
Preparing for the tournament presented significant challenges for Tuvalu’s team, including a lack of access to proper training facilities. With no dedicated gym and practice fields, players had to train on an airport runway. Additionally, school commitments and the timing of the academic year made selecting age-grade players particularly difficult.
“There wasn’t a proper gym… in Tuvalu we do not have a proper gym. We usually train on the runway. It was difficult, but through the passion of the boys, we managed to form the team,” he noted.
The festival has also fostered a renewed sense of pride among Tuvaluan families, particularly mothers, as the nation strives to develop both men’s and women’s rugby despite the limited player pool.
The Nadi Junior Rugby Festival concluded yesterday, featuring participation from over 95 teams representing Fiji, Tuvalu, and Nauru. This event not only illuminated Tuvalu’s burgeoning rugby talent but also inspired a community rallying behind its young athletes as they forge their path in the world of competitive sport.
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