KNOWN as the rugby factory, the Namatakula Village-based Ratu Filise club exposed its young talents in the Cuvu Collegian Rugby 7s tournament.
The under-13 rugby side lost to Young Lions of Suva in the semi-final but team manager Peniasi Max Vivalawa said the boys were content with their performance.
Some of the big names produced at Namatakula include former Australian dual international Lote Tuqiri, Wallabies centre Tevita Kurudrani, Flying Fijians flyer Nemani Nadolo, Chris Kuridrani, Noa Nadruku, the late Mesake Seavula, Etika Tovilevu, Ifereimi Tovilevu and Fiji 7s rep Amenoni Nasilasila to name a few.
Vivalawa says rugby is part of life at Namatakula and it involves the community.
He said these young rugby boys also had training programs every afternoons.
“Only few 13 years old boys in this team while the rest are below 13,” said Vivalawa.
“Exposing them to such tournament really opened their eyes.
“These boys always played touch rugby with our senior team but later dispersed for their respective training after the touch rugby.”
He said these boys would be developed to fill in the shoes of their older brothers in future years.
“Rugby is in their blood and they are the ones to fill in the gaps in the future.”
“Exposing them at young age will surely improve their skills.”
Ratu Filise featured in the U17, U19 and will also play in the open grade at the Cuvu Collegian 7s tournament which starts today.
