SINCE its establishment about a century ago, Ratu Kadavulevu School has grown in prowess and stature.
The school has produced many great sons who have received national and international recognition in their own disciplines.
For current students and former students, despite their different cultural backgrounds and religious beliefs or political ideas, there is one common denominator that unites all Lodonians –– rugby.
Founded in 1924 by the late Ratu Penaia Kadavulevu, the school has been regarded as one if not the powerhouse in schools rugby in Fiji.
One of its greatest achievements was set last year when it won all grades of the annual secondary schools rugby competition under the guidance of former student and also a former national rep Nacanieli Saumi.
It improved on that performance by becoming the first Fijian team to win the Sanix World Youth Championship in Fukuoka, Japan last week.
Ratu Kadavulevu School Old Boys Nadi branch vice-president Joe Gavidi said this was one of the proudest days for all the former students as they achieved what used to be a dream in the past.
“For us former and current students, rugby is religion. Rugby runs through our veins and in our system. With the win, we have completed the winning cycle,” he said.
“Winning a rugby tournament is one of the happiest moments of our lives.
“I remember back in 1994, when the Coca-Cola Deans trophy finals were played in Nadi and we had won all the grades and we were waiting for the under-19 final.
“That year we lost to Lelean Memorial School in the final.
“We thought we were going to have a clean sweep of the grades but then God had other plans for us.”
RKS is the defending champions in rugby league in Fiji as well. And it is also the boys’ champion in athletics.
But it all not just sports for the students of RKS.
In building the culture of excellence, the school has also emphasised on academic achievement.’
And it has set a plan to continue the success in the next six years until the school turns 100 in 2024.
RKS U18 team manager Osea Uluiviti said this showed how important rugby was for every Lodoni fans, student and old boy.
“We had won a 7s tournament in Scotts College in Australia and then the Fiji Secondary Schools Rugby League competition, the Coca Cola Games and now the icing on the cake is to be the first Fijian high school to win this prestige championship, all thanks to God.”
