Despite facing significant hurdles both on and off the field, Dawasamu Secondary School is preparing to make a strong statement in this year’s Weet-Bix Raluve competition.

Head coach Solomoni Naitini confirmed the school will be fielding teams in the Under-16 and Under-18 categories of the Raluve tournament.

However, training is currently on hold as the school focuses on an equally important tradition, their annual cadet pass-out parade.

“We’re not training at the moment because we’re concentrating on our cadet programme,” Naitini said.

“Once that is over, we will resume full preparations for Raluve.”

Despite the pause in training, the coach remains optimistic and determined.

His vision extends beyond just winning games, he aims to create a platform where students can transition into professional rugby careers or pursue further opportunities in the sport.

“Our goal is to help the girls play to the best of their abilities.

“We want to build a pathway so they can secure contracts or continue their rugby journey after leaving school,” he said.

But the journey is far from easy; Dawasamu Secondary, with a student roll of just over 200, struggles with limited resources.

Basic sporting equipment is scarce and forming competitive teams within such a small pool is a constant challenge.

“It’s tough every year,” Naitini said.

“We don’t have the resources or equipment, and we’re a small school. But that won’t stop us, we’ll give everything we have, especially in the Under-18 category.”

The Deans and Raluve zone competitions will kick off this Saturday.

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