After an impressive 2025 season, the Tailevu Rugby Union is setting its sights even higher for 2026, with president Joe Rodan affirming that the primary goal is to clinch both the Skipper Cup and the Farebrother Trophy. Rodan highlighted that the past season marked a significant turning point for the team, particularly after the new executive committee took the reins in July.
Reflecting on this transition, Rodan noted the challenges faced by the committee in navigating a mid-season change, describing it as a “baptism of fire.” He expressed optimism about the future, stating that the lessons learned during the previous season better position the team for the challenges ahead in 2026. “Now that the season is over, we have learned a lot. Using that experience, we will be much better prepared come 2026,” he remarked.
One of the standout achievements of 2025 was Tailevu reaching the semi-finals for the first time in 14 years, a milestone Rodan celebrated as evidence of the team’s progress. “This year was special for Tailevu rugby. Reaching the semi-final after 14 years shows that we are moving in the right direction,” he said proudly.
Rodan also expressed gratitude for the strong support from the Tailevu community, emphasizing that the backing from the vanua, fans, and spectators played a vital role throughout the season. “We have the full support of the vanua and our supporters, and that gives us confidence as we move forward,” he added.
As the union prepares for the upcoming season, Rodan emphasized the importance of building a solid foundation off the field to match their ambitions on the field. “We have created Tailevu as a brand and we want to run it like a business,” he stated, underlining their intent to operate Tailevu Rugby Union with a professional approach. “Our aim is to run Tailevu Rugby Union like a professional union. We want to be the best organized union in the country.”
In addition to these ambitions, the Tailevu Rugby Union recently hosted their awards night at Vunimono Hall, celebrating the achievements and contributions of their players and staff over the past season. The future looks promising for Tailevu Rugby as they aim for greater heights in the coming year, buoyed by community support and a clear vision for success.
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