Young rugby players from Ba and Suva recently had a fantastic opportunity to demonstrate their talents during friendly matches organized by the Ba Rugby Union against the Seremaia Bai Eastern Saints Rugby Club. This event, held on Saturday, featured teams from the Eastern Saints Academy competing in the U14, U16, and U18 categories, allowing young athletes to gain vital game experience ahead of the upcoming school term.
Seremaia Bai, the director of the Eastern Saints Rugby Club and Academy, highlighted that this initiative aims to keep students active and engaged before the academic year begins. This occasion marked the first time the club traveled from Suva to Ba for friendly encounters, and Bai described the experience as positive for both players and coaches.
Among the U14 players, many were making the transition from primary to secondary school, showcasing a wide range of skills. Bai emphasized that the objective of the matches was not focused solely on winning; rather, it was about promoting enjoyment, player development, and introducing youngsters to competitive rugby in a supportive environment.
The Ba Rugby Union expressed gratitude for hosting the Eastern Saints, recognizing the importance of such matches in strengthening relationships between clubs and nurturing grassroots talent. The friendly games were viewed as a significant advancement for junior rugby development, with both teams benefiting from the experience.
This event underlines a dedication to engaging youth in sports, highlighting the significance of fun and skill enhancement. This approach is certainly promising for the future of rugby in the region, fostering a community spirit among young players that will benefit the sport in years to come.