|
|
|
 TEIVOVO.COM – FEATURES
|
|
|
Making a career in rugby
The absence of a solid link between secondary schools rugby and the provincial unions through the Fiji Rugby Union often leads to players disappearing from the radar screen for a while only to pop up in a New Zealand NPC team a few years later. And because of the rugby void for school-leavers, some others lose interest and drop out of rugby altogether. Vela Naucukidi visited the Rugby Academy at Lelean Memorial School and had a pleasant surprise at the rapid progress the institution has made. 11 December 2004
|
|
Mountain rugby – build it and he will come
Many overseas coaches visiting Fiji for the first time find themselves pleasantly surprised with just how popular rugby is in this country and how much natural flair and enthusiasm for the game Fijians have in their carefree environment. Unless these God-given talents are nurtured and harnessed, however, the outside world will never fully see what we have to offer. 5 November 2004
|
|
Rugby's rural best
Way out west, the beautiful Yasawa Islands remain a major attraction for both ends of Fiji’s tourism business – exclusive resorts and budget accommodation. And as with many other parts of Fiji, it also thrives on rugby and manages to produce international-level players. Teivovo editor Jeremy Duxbury travelled to the Central Yasawas and had a hard time returning, such was the level of hospitality. 23 June 2004
|
Jerseys or no jerseys, Rabe tough to match
Every island team dreams of playing top level rugby, facing the mighty Nadroga in a provincial match or challenging Nadi for the Farebrother-Sullivan Trophy. Ovalau led the way in 2000 when they broke into the big time. Now, following in their taus’ footsteps, come Rabe. Vela Naucukidi flew Sun Air to Taveuni to learn their secret. 19 December 2002
Realising rugby values
Villagers on Turtle Island in the Central Yasawas live one hour ahead of Fiji. They call it ‘Bula Time’, and it started during the shooting of the movie Blue Lagoon when everyone involved had to get up an hour earlier and wait for the sunrise. 5 December 2001
Bridging the gap
Suva Grammar’s win over secondary school giants Ratu Kadavulevu School added a new dimension to schools rugby in Fiji. But Grammar’s first victory in the tournament’s 62-year history didn’t just come by chance: it was the culmination of a solid effort from the players, coaches and even parents. 18 December 2001
As rural as it gets...
Bau’s victory in the Vanua Shield in July augurs well for the rugby future of this small but vibrant island. Vela Naucukidi paid the chiefly island a visit. 3 September 2001
Nasekula keep Northern lights shining
Nasekula village lies on the western side of the largest urban centre in the Friendly North. Around the village and outside the town are cane fields on small holdings leased by Indian farmers from communally owned Fijian land. 27 June 2001
Nakasaleka developing Southern Rugby
Despite being stuck out in the sticks with transportation problems and the usual shortage of funds, the Nakasaleka Rugby Club in southern Kadavu continues to thrive, contributing well to Kadavu provincial rugby as a whole. Vela Naucukidi spoke to Coach Ratu Oscar Meli 10 April 2001
The club on the hill
The year was 1913… when expatriates in Fiji stumbled upon the natural rugby talents of the locals. So the Governor at the time, Sir Ernest Bickham Sweet-Escott, donated the Escott Shield, and it has remained a hotly contested trophy on the Suva club rugby scene ever since. Eleina McDonald reports on QVSOB’s attempts at securing the trophy. 27 December 2000
Village power
If one village in Fiji could epitomise the nation’s rugby dreams, that village would be Namatakula. Almost legendary, this tiny rural landmark has been responsible  more than any other for producing some of the country’s leading rugby talent, from Noa Nadruku to Luke Erenavula to Temesia Kaumaia. Teivovo’s Vela Naucukidi takes a closer look at the mystique surrounding the village. 23 October 2000
|
Club feature – St John's Marist
The Marist club have enjoyed a high profile year, winning a number of sevens tournaments home and abroad. They also clipped the ears of the national sevens team in February, giving their more well-known cousins a wake-up call just before the Wellington Sevens. 25 September 2000
The Fijian phenomenon
From total obscurity nine months ago, Fiji sevens winger Vilimoni Delasau suddenly finds the rugby world at his feet. Jeremy Duxbury went to Sorokoba village to take a closer look at the player that has dazzled TV viewers around the globe with his lightning pace and sublime sidesteps. 14 September 2000
|
|
