The Macuata Rugby men’s senior side will depend on their homegrown players in their effort for a top four spot in this season’s Skipper Cup competition.

Macuata travels to Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka to face Nadroga in this Saturday’s opening round of the Skipper Cup competition.

Speaking to SUNsports yesterday Macuata Rugby Union (MRU) vice-president, Jioji Vuakaca (pictured) said they would rely on their own provincial players.

Vuakaca said the introduction of two zones, Macuata Central and Macuata South allowed them with ample players to choose from.

When approached on any current or former national reps in the side, Vuakaca there is none.

“The aim is to achieve a top four finish in the Skipper Cup and qualify to play for the prestigious Farebrother-Sullivan Trophy,” Vuakaca said.

“It’s been a long time since we last contested the Farebrother trophy, so we want to challenge for it this year.”

He said being the lone Vanua Levu based- team in the Skipper Cup competition also comes with added pressure.

“We’ll play nine regular Skipper Cup games, with four home games. We’ll play all our home games at Subrail Park.”

Vuakaca said their first home game would be against Ba.

He said they want to build consistency in winning their games to ensure they become a force to be reckoned with.

Vuakaca said MRU has adopted a new model in the decentralisation of club matches.

Apart from holding club games at Subrail Park every Saturday, they had moved the last round of games to Korovuli Youth Sports ground in Seaqaqa.

He said they want to give fans an opportunity to witness high standard club games.

“We want our fans to be more engaged with us,” Vuakaca added.

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