Two players from the Vinod Patel Ba Skipper Cup, Ponipate Bacaivalu and Meli Tuvusa, are set to join the Chennai Bulls, coached by former Fiji 7s coach Ben Gollings, for the upcoming McDonalds Coral Coast Fiji 7s next week. This announcement was confirmed by Ba Rugby Union secretary Gaby Kautoga.
The duo will join the Bulls following a training clinic scheduled at Ba Methodist High School on Tuesday. This clinic aims to foster a budding partnership between the Bulls and Ba Rugby and is tailored for under 12 to 18 players who participated in last month’s Nadi Junior 7s.
Kautoga expressed their excitement about the Bulls’ commitment to come to Ba and motivate young players, marking the beginning of various collaborative efforts between the two rugby organizations. Gollings mentioned that the players are eager to engage with Ba Rugby and impart their knowledge and experience.
The Chennai Bulls squad also includes four players from the Indian national team, highlighting the trip as an excellent opportunity for gaining experience in high-level 7s competition. Notably, last year, Fijian 7s representatives Filipe Sauturaga and Joseva Talacolo played a pivotal role in helping the Bulls secure victory in the Indian Premier League 7s.
During the Coral Coast 7s, the Bulls will compete in pool C alongside Dominion Brothers, Mike Friday Select, and USA 7s. Rugby enthusiasts will be able to catch all the live action starting next Thursday on FBC Sports. This engagement not only strengthens the ties between different rugby nations but also showcases the growing interest and development of rugby in the region.