Kadavu Rugby Union president Lynda Tabuya has set a target for their women’s team to win the ANZ Marama Championship title this season.

Kadavu is making their debut after winning last season’s Royal Tea Ranadi Cup.

“I have every faith in our women’s team that we will win the Marama Cup,” she said.

“We’re going to challenge teams from the urban zones along with the current champions Suva.

“At the same time we are hopeful that those who are interested to come and join the men’s team will show up during our trials in July.”

Tabuya along with their committee members travelled to Kadavu on Thursday night to sort out their club registration.

“As part of the Fiji Rugby Union (FRU) compliance, we need to do all our club registration and submit it to FRU,” she said.

Tabuya said that they will be operating a Super week where FRU officials would travel to the island to conduct rugby clinics.

“We’ll have coaching, referees’ clinics as well as training management so we’re grateful to FRU,” she said.

“As you know five of our players from the women’s team are part of the Na Soko tournament, which is running for seven weeks where they will then hopefully choose the squad for the Women’s Rugby World Cup later this year.”

She said the season starts in August but they to get the basics right, which includes compliance with FRU,” she said.

“We ourselves are starting to do our own fundraising drive so maybe in the month we’ll be running our raffle again.”

Tabuya said the raffle was a repeat of their fundraising event last year where a boat and engine was the main prize.

“It was very popular in the rural and maritime area, which is what Kadavu is,” she said.

“It was also for those from over seas to support the cause so hopefully one of their relatives in the village wins it. It’s a practical mode of transport, if someone wins a car in Kadavu it doesn’t go very far.”

Tabuya said also part of the trip to Kadavu is to support the Vunisea Secondary School rugby boys’ team.

“They are camping at the school and are preparing for the maritime zone, which is coming up as part of their preparations for the Deans competition,” she said.

“We’re just cheering for Kadavu and supporting our young people, and I wish them the very best.”

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