Ba on the rise

This weekend’s Vanua Trophy Challenge that will be played at Lawaqa Park between rivals and neighbours, Lautoka and Ba, will give us a preview of the class and ability of the two teams that have been promoted to the 2024 Skipper Competition after making it to the finals of the Vodafone 2023 Cup.

The team from the soccer crazy town have attracted a strong fan base following their impressive form so far during the 2023 rugby season. Fiji Rugby Union Senior Operations Officer, Jikoibau Matawalu, believes the surge of Ba Rugby and its full potential will be witnessed during the 2024 season.

“Ba is a new revelation being a newcomer to the Skipper 2024. There has been a big revival for rugby in Ba and the support that normally goes to soccer has now attracted the attention of fans due to the rise of the sport in the Western town,” revealed Matawalu.

Matawalu adds: “With the assistance of some capable administrators and coaches in the likes of former Flying Fijians and National 7s World Cup winners, Filimoni Delasau and Sireli Bobo, Ba will be a force to reckon with come the Skipper Cup next year.

Their opponents Lautoka are familiar at playing at the top level having won the Farebrother Cup on many occasions which includes ending Nadroga’s 9 years Farebrother reign in the 1970’s.

“They will bring in a lot of competition to the Skipper Cup in 2024,” mentioned Matawalu.

The Vanua Trophy Challenge will kick-off on Saturday at 1 pm in Sigatoka followed by the Inkk Farebrother Cup between Nadroga and Nadi at 3 pm.

Ticket prices:

Admission are as follows:

Grandstand $20
Grandstand VIP Bucket Seats $30
VIP Lounge Ticket $25
Embankment Adult $15
Embankment Child U12 $5