Young rugby players from Ba and Suva had the opportunity to showcase their skills and enjoy the sport during friendly matches hosted by Ba Rugby Union against the Seremaia Bai Eastern Saints Rugby Club on Saturday. This event saw participation from the Eastern Saints Academy, with teams competing in the U14, U16, and U18 grades, providing youngsters with essential game time ahead of the upcoming school term.
Seremaia Bai, director of Eastern Saints Rugby Club and Academy, emphasized that the initiative was designed to keep students active and engaged before they return to school. It marked the club’s first visit from Suva to Ba for friendly matches, which Bai described as a positive experience for both players and coaches involved.
Many U14 players were noted to be transitioning from primary to secondary school, showcasing varying levels of skill. Bai pointed out that the main goal of the matches was not necessarily to win, but to foster enjoyment, development, and introduce players to competitive rugby in a relaxed atmosphere.
Ba Rugby Union expressed appreciation for hosting the Eastern Saints, highlighting how such matches contribute to building relationships between clubs and nurturing young talent at the grassroots level. The friendly encounters were regarded as a significant step forward for junior rugby development, with both teams gaining valuable experience from the exchange.
This event embodies a commitment to fostering youth engagement in sports, emphasizing fun and skill development, which can only bode well for the future of rugby in the region.