MEMBERS of the Nasinu Secondary School under-15 rugby team were welcomed home with a crowd of family and supporters yesterday at the school grounds in Kinoya, Nasinu.
The team returned from a two-match tour against schools in the Akita Province of Japan.
The school was chosen to represent Fiji in the international tour. Head coach Navitalai Waiwalu said the tour was successful.
“We thank the Government for organising the trip and through the initiative of the Ambassador of Fiji in Japan, Isikeli Mataitoga,” Waiwalu said.
“The players learned a lot in Japan. They even had time to learn inside Japanese classrooms with their Japanese students. They learned some aspects of Japanese culture and the rugby was successful.”
Nasinu won both games on their tour beating Shogunmou Junior High School 45-0 and Akita Junior High School 60-0.
The wins were not the only thing the players bought back from the eight-day tour.
“We performed meke and the team also learned how to wear Japanese traditional garments, engaged in glass blowing which is an art mastered by Japanese.
“The players are all wearing their own glass pins which they learned to make. “Hopefully there will be more exchanges between Fiji and Akita, and we are forever thankful for the support of parents and their prayers, the principal and the school management.
The team of 30 students and four officials also relayed and dedicated their successful tour to Japan-based former Flying Fijian and former Nasinu Secondary School student, Setareki Tawake.
“We have to acknowledge Seta who is based in Akita. “We have to thank him, his family and the Fijian community in Akita who were with us from the first minute we set foot on Japan until we departed.”
