Suva rugby head coach Solo Nute is counting on Police Blue to defend the Suva Rugby Union’s Escott Shield against Navy in the grand final scheduled for Saturday, September 21. Nute expressed his support for the Police team, hoping they will perform well against Navy.
He noted that this final will be effective for preparation, as it’s the only competition currently available aside from the Skipper Cup, with the focus now centered on the Escott Shield. Nute emphasized the need for the Police players to enhance their fitness levels and improve their scrum control.
Game management is a priority for the team, according to Nute, who believes it will provide them with better scoring opportunities. He also encouraged Suva supporters to attend the grand final in large numbers to back their teams, following the conclusion of the Hibiscus Festival.
Looking ahead, Nute mentioned that the Suva team is scheduled to start pre-season training in January next year. He noted the importance of aligning with the Fiji Rugby Union (FRU) calendar of events. Nute is optimistic about bringing in some players from the FRU High Performance Unit as well as local talent from Suva.
Additionally, Nute hopes to recruit a few Fiji Under-20 players to strengthen his squad. He aims to blend experienced players with the youth to enhance the depth of the team ahead of the selection for the upcoming Skipper Cup.