Determination: God, Family and Career

God, Family and Career are the three pillars that form the stronghold of a community rugby club, Naimataga Young Brothers. Remotely rural and away from any proper rugby training facility, the club members press on with Rugby driven solely by passion and love of the sport.

In their isolation, ruggers and their community have combined forces to lift their performance and also build on their personal character through program that support growth. Club Manager and Advisor, Tauila Tekavei has had nothing but praises for his players resilience.

“Rugby has bridged a generational gap and brought adults and youths together in a way that would have otherwise been impossible,” he commended. “I have witnessed how through rugby, our community mobilised to improve social and financial well-being, nurture unity and strengthen our faith.”

Naimataga Young Brothers rugby club represents the determination of grassroot communities to lift their performances on and off the field. Participating in Fiji’s highest rewarding tournament, Raka 7s, demonstrates their willpower to lift their game.

“Our boys are a diverse group of talented individuals. Given our financial challenges, we introduced our $2 per week soli program that enables them to save both for themselves and to fund their rugby club,” confirmed Tekavei. “Through their soli, we are able fund more fundraising opportunities as we prepare for upcoming rugby tournaments like the Raka 7s.”

Rugby has opened doors for community youths and according to Tekavei, the community is much better off for it.

This community rugby club has in its long term plans, a fully equipped gym that will be an income generating opportunity. Currently, members have to travel quite a distant to gain access to a gym when they can afford it. This has not swayed the club from reaching for their dreams.

“We keep and maintain each players profile where we capture their rugby development and their dreams which our committee assists them with achieving,” Tekavei confirmed. “So far, we have helped our players find employment and those who are yet to find opportunities, they are contributing directly to the development of our community.”

The Naimataga Young Brothers rugby club is among the first clubs to register for Fiji’s highest paying rugby tournament, Raka 7s.

For more information on the Raka 7s 2018 follow the Raka 7s page on www.facebook.com/raka7s/