Dilkusha Boys Primary School head teacher Iliesa Fiu, Fiji Womens rugby president Paulini Tamatasasa, Lautoka Delana Primary School head teacher Joeli Derenalagi and New Zealand High Commission’s Acting Head of Mission Mark Ramsden at the New Zealand High Commission’s residence yesterday. Photo: Anasilini Ratuva

The New Zealand High Commision donated rugby gear to isolated rural schools and Fiji Women’s Rugby Union at the New Zealand High Commissioner’s residence yesterday.
The rugby gear has been generously donated by Dunedin-based Leslie rugby headed by former Otago Highlanders and Scotland player John Leslie.
Acting Head of Mission Mark Ramsden said the donation was an inspiring example of co-operation by New Zealand businesses to support and assist rugby in Fiji.
“Rugby is a vital linkage between New Zealand and Fiji; there are no two countries where rugby plays such an important part in our national identity,
“We are pleased to be involved in further strengthening this bond by helping remote schools with active rugby teams and women’s rugby,” Ramsden said.
“This plan initiated from John Leslie who got hold of us and a couple of Pacific island countries and wanting to give away a lot of stock just out of goodness of his heart ,
“We worked with the rugby union, Digicel and Ministry of Education just trying to find some schools that do not get the same opportunities and we want to help them with these equipments,” he said.
Receiving equipment yesterday Lautoka Delana Primary School head teacher Joeli Derenalagi said this would boost the children.
“This is something that we always needed and we thank New Zealand for their kind donation which will definitely assist the children,”
Dilkusha Boys Primary School head teacher Iliesa Fiu said the school was featuring in the Kaji Rugby Tournament. Fiji Womens rugby president Paulini Tamatasasa said the equipment will be donated to clubs.
The items include rugby shorts, vests, head gear, shoulder pads, rugby balls and ball pumps.
eedback: sheik.dean@fijisun.com.fj