NADROGA lock Ulaiasi Lawavou will face some of his former teammates when he runs out at Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka against Nadi in its third Farebrother-Sullivan Trophy defence today.
Lawavou played for Nadi in last year's Farebrother challenge but has quickly made his mark for the Stallions since joining Nadroga for the 2012 rugby season.
The Vunamoli villager's powerful performance for his new provincial side this season has seen him included in some of Nadroga's big games in the past few months.
Nadroga coach Esala Nauga has named Lawavou to partner former Flying Fijians forward Sekonaia Kalou at lock.
Lawavou is also a member of the Digicel national sevens squad. Last week he was released to join the Nadroga team as they prepare for the remaining Farebrother challenge matches.
Nadroga manager Paula Biu said Lawavou had been one of their new finds this season and he continued to improve as the season went on.
Biu said they had selected one of their best line-ups for the clash with Nadi.
"The boys are ready for this game and they know what is at stake here. Every year when the Farebrother challenge campaign starts, the Nadroga team always looks forward to the game with Nadi," Biu said.
Nadi team manager Noa Neivalu said they had a very young team and were looking forward to the clash.
The Farebrother challenge program will start with the Nadroga club rugby challenge matches with the Ka Levu trophy game between Lomavata and holders Tovolea at 12 midday.
The first club challenge will be between Sanasana and Naevuevu for the Tui Vusu trophy at 11am.
Teams
Nadroga: Peni Ravai, Seremaia Naureure, Ratu Penijamini Makutu, Ulaiasi Lawavou, Sekonaia Kalou, Nemani Nagusa, Sailosi Rabo, Ratu Mosese Volavola, Sakiusa Gavidi, Jiuta Lutumailagi, Sekove Leawere, Jonetani Ratu, Adriu Delai, Apisalome Waqatabu, Ratu Meli Kurisaru.
Reserves: Ratu Seru Cakobau, Alifereti Cawanibuka, Manoa Tamaya, Iliesa Ratuva, Etonia Bula, Jonetani Ralulu, Samisoni Viriviri
Nadi: Joave Masitabua, Aseri Buli, Sikeli Gavidi, Inosa Sausau, Samu Saqiwa, Vatili Saqiwa, Senitiki Cakau, Jiuta Takubu, Jock Luita, Vatemo Ravouvou, Filipe Nakosi/ Driu Lalai, Sainivalati Gaunavou, Josua Tuisova, Iliesa Samusamuvodre, Naisau Moriji/ Filipe Nakosi.
Reserves: Isoa Damudamu/Kalaveti Vueti, Leon Kwong, Pio Tuwai, Kelepi Ketedromo, Ron Katonivere, Jonacani Erenavanua, Ilisoni Ratusai