FAREBROTHER Sullivan trophy holders, Suva is anticipating a tough challenge in the new rugby season.
After successfully defending the prestigious silverware for the festive season, Suva rugby head coach Salimoni Ravouvou believes they are entering a much tougher brutal rugby campaign.
Yesterday, Ravouvou kept a close eye on his players with a weight session at the High Performance Unit Gym in Suva.
"This year will be a lot tougher than last season. We managed to achieve what we aimed for last year but that achievement will push us to work extra hard and prepare for a much tougher season this year," he said.
Ravouvou says last year's achievement was due to the unity within the team's camp. He said it was teamwork that drove the capital side to clinch the Farebrother Sullivan trophy.
"This is my third year as coach for the Suva team. I have seen the progress of players from the beginning and I believe teamwork and unity within the management and the players have paid off for us. "Nothing was easy last year but I believe we worked hard together and focused on the job ahead of us that enabled us to go through the extra mile."
Players like Leone Nakarawa, Jone Saukuru, Leone Tabuarua, Waisale Levula, Sireli Temo, Apenisa Nasilasila, Osea Kolinisau, Vesi Rarawa, Alefoso Yalayalatabua, Manasa Saulo, Mosese Saunivanua, Waqabaca Kotobalavu, Ilitomasi Nawalu, Jo Levula, Aporosa Kenatale, Emosi Mulevoro, Kaminieli Neiqisa and Alipate Mateivelia were named in the squad for this season.