THE Ratu Sukuna Memorial School under-16 rugby side had some good exposure during their New Zealand tour last month. The tour gave each student the opportunity to see rugby development in New Zealand and how rugby was prioritised at a very early stage.
The U16 team returned into the country on Saturday and was welcomed by parents, family, friends and the Ratu Sukuna Vuli Oti (RSVO) members.
During their tour the side played Te Puke High School, Hamilton Boys High School, St John’s College and Wesley College.
RSMS assistant principal and the team manager Isikeli Vuniwaqa said they were so happy to be able to give the team that kind of exposure at a young age.
“We thank the Hamilton Fijian community, the Te Puke community, the RSVO in New Zealand and Wesley College for looking after the boys during their stay. They have contributed so much to the RSMS Under 16 NZ tour,” he said.
“We have realised during this tour that our school rugby standard is not as different as school rugby standards in New Zealand and we realise that we can accomplish a lot if we work hard.
“The boys have learned a lot during this tour and now we look forward to the Deans competition. The team starts training today (Tuesday) because they had to rest for a few days.
“The tour has opened the boys’ eyes to opportunities of becoming professional rugby players. For example Wesley College head boy Naisa Saukuru has signed a contract with the Warriors side and is earning an income while attending school.
He said they hoped to maintain the rugby platform they have brought from New Zealand through to this year’s Deans rugby competition.
