Former Fiji 7s captain and Olympic gold medalist Jerry Tuwai has praised the Nadi Junior Rugby Festival, recognizing it as a vital development platform in the region as the two-day event wraps up. The festival featured teams from Fiji, Tuvalu, and Nauru, with participants spanning from under-8 to under-18 categories. This initiative has granted hundreds of young athletes the invaluable chance to engage in structured competition and experience international play, often for the very first time.
Tuwai expressed that the tournament’s benefits extend far beyond the matches. “I think that World Rugby, Oceania Rugby, Fiji Rugby, and all the unions that take part here… this is one of the best rugby festivals that we have right now,” he noted, commending the collaborative efforts that bolster the impact of the event.
He emphasized the importance of the rugby values being instilled in the participants, which he believes are crucial for shaping their futures on and off the field. “It’s not just about rugby; it’s about sharing the values of rugby here today. This is where dreams are moulded. I started with small kites and everything,” Tuwai reflected on his personal journey.
Additionally, Tuwai highlighted the festival’s significance in a broader regional context, suggesting that the growing participation of Pacific nations will elevate rugby standards throughout Oceania. “What Oceania Rugby is doing right now will help not just Fiji Rugby but all the unions here today like Nauru, Tuvalu, and clubs here in Fiji,” he affirmed.
As the Nadi Junior Rugby Festival concludes this afternoon, it underscores the power of sports in nurturing community spirit and fostering young talent throughout the region. The event stands as a hopeful reminder of the potential within youth sports to shape futures and build connections across nations.