The Ba Rugby Union (BRU) is aiming to build on the success of its men’s and women’s teams by focusing on the development of young talent. As part of this initiative, the union is set to kick off its season with the Junior Club Championship, which will offer competitive opportunities for age groups ranging from Under-14 to Under-20.
Gabriele Kautoga, the BRU secretary, stated that participation in the championship will be limited to players registered with the union, ensuring that proper developmental pathways and compliance are maintained throughout the competition. The championship is designed to conclude ahead of the Fiji Secondary Schools Rugby Union competitions, providing student-athletes with valuable experience as they gear up to face prominent schools such as Ratu Kadavulevu School, Marist Brothers High School, and Nasinu Secondary School.
The boys’ division is set to start on March 21, while the girls’ competition will follow on April 11. The BRU has garnered significant attention recently, having seen its men’s team promoted to the Skipper Cup for the first time in 23 years. Meanwhile, the women’s team made a remarkable showing in the Ranadi Cup final, earning a historic spot in the upcoming Marama Cup.
This initiative not only emphasizes the BRU’s dedication to nurturing grassroots talent but also paints an optimistic picture for the future of rugby in Ba. With these efforts, the union aims to inspire and cultivate a new generation of athletes poised to elevate the standards of the sport at higher competitive levels.