Seven new players to boost standard of play and performance

The Tavua Rugby Union will be looking to improve their performance and better their standing in the 2016 Skipper Cup competition.

Coach Akariva Tabutaci said seven new players have joined the team which is a big boost in their campaign to lift their standard of play and improve on their performance.

“We are looking to improve from last year, this year we want to try harder to make it into the top eight,” he said.

“There have not been many changes but we have brought in some new players. We have around seven new players who I think will change the way we play the game. We know that this year will be even tougher, it gets more competitive every year and we need to step up our game. Last year we did not do so well because of the problems we were having with management but now there have been changes so that is a positive start for us in this new season.”

The new management is headed by the Tui Tavua Ratu Nacanieli Uqeuqe who said they have done a major clean-up and are looking forward to a good start in the season.

“Last two weeks we have been working frantically but we are looking forward to the competition. First of all our main aim is get back up and running well because we have had a lot of problems last year with the management and so forth. So there has been a bit of clean-up but we are getting there.

“With the new management it will hopefully bring the team up because we are uniting people who have been working hard for the clubs and who are all on the same page with us. We have kept those people on board.”

Ratu Nacanieli is confident that Tavua can retain their position in the major union.

“The boys are all geared up. We have had the old coaches and trainers and the boys seem to respond very well with them.”

The 2016 Skipper Cup competition starts next Saturday.

Edited by Leone Cabenatabua

Feedback:  justine.mannan@fijisun.com.fj