Naitasiri Rugby Union’s treasurer Meli Rokobici has revealed that the union incurs weekly expenditures of approximately $10,000 to prepare players for their Skipper Cup matches, escalating to $14,000 for trips to Vanua Levu. He shared these figures during an appearance on FBC’s i-Taukei sports show ‘Na Waqe,’ indicating that financial constraints have posed challenges for the team.
Rokobici expressed concern that the grant from the Fiji Rugby Union has decreased compared to previous years, adding to the financial pressures faced by the union. Despite these difficulties, Naitasiri executives remain dedicated to helping their players achieve performance milestones, especially as they strive to retain the Farebrother trophy.
At the beginning of the season, the team had set goals for both their men’s and women’s squads. Rokobici emphasized that retaining the Farebrother trophy was a priority, stating, “We have achieved our first target, and now we look forward to achieving our second target this.”
In light of the financial strain, the union formed the Koicolo Rakavi Cooperative, aimed at alleviating some of the burdens. The team is poised for their semifinal match against Tailevu tomorrow at 3 PM, with Malolo competing against Nadi at 1 PM. Fans can catch the live coverage on FBC TV.
The ongoing passion for rugby within the community underscores the importance of teamwork and resilience as Naitasiri navigates the challenges ahead. With strong community support and a commitment to their goals, there is a sense of optimism that the team will continue to grow and succeed in the competition.