Union Profile: Ovalau Rugby Union (ORU)

Union Profile: Ovalau Rugby Union (ORU)

Life in the “majors” for what is essentially a small union has its ups and downs, yet somehow the Ovalau Rugby Union (ORU) has managed to avoid finishing last. The appointment of Etuate Waqa to coach the provincial side proves they are serious about lifting the standard of rugby in the island.

Ovalau Rugby Union Secretary Seresio Druguta admitted that the “game spirit” that resulted in their move from “Island Zone Rugby” and now the fear of returning to it has really boosted their performance especially being in the major division.

“We are always living for the present while other unions are planning their future. We try to get by year by year,” he said.

“The commitment from all stakeholders is vital to our survival. We don’t have a healthy bank account but our fighting spirit is alive and burning. We fight on the field and in the boardroom to get our message across. I also believe that the blessing of the Almighty is with us.”

Ovalau is now moving towards a more structured platform, with a new strategic plan and have enlisted the assistance of individuals who they believe will put Ovalau Rugby to the forefront.

“Eddie Waqa is our Head Coach and he is assisted by franchise coaches. We have also had positive discussions with Weightlifting Fiji with the possibility of a training partnership,” Mr Druguta explained. He said they have also presented their new strategic plan to possible corporate partners.

This week, Fiji Rugby Union Development Officers will be in Ovalau to assist with the preparations and up skilling of club officials.

Preparation phase for the Skipper Cup has begun in Levuka with the four Tikina holding their trials last week to select teams for the Supper four competition. From the franchise games, they will select a squad of 36 players to start preparing for the first round of the Skipper Cup in May.

Head Coach Etuate Waqa is excited about his appointment believes they could better their performance this year if all, board, committee, stakeholders, players and the vanua remain focused on their union objectives and work according to the processes in place.

“It is an honor and privilege for me to share my knowledge and experience with my very own people,” Waqa said.

He said their preparation phase is very important and they need to be smart with the various components they put in place. “This will enable the team to start comfortably and stay focused for the rest of the year.

Ovalau is currently on 11^th place and Waqa hopes this season they will see a vast improvement in the performance.

“We have put together a vision and a strategic plan and hopefully everyone that is directly involves with Ovalau Rugby will adhere and stay committed to the strategies.

Our objective is to better our position, to win compétitions and also create a pathway for our players for national sélection and for marketablility overseas. “

Levuka as a heritage site has boosted the union to also improve the standard of rugby in the islands to attract visitors who could enjoy watching rugby when in town.

Mr Druguta confirmed that ORU has signed an MoU with “Youth with a Mission” (YWAM) that will also benefit rugby in the island. He said the YWAM have brought in new ideas and concepts and they have adopted it to suit them.

“A result is this is the emergence of Sefanaia Naivalu in the Super Rugby competition. Who would ever thought of a boy playing his trade in Ovalau then donning a super rugby jersey? This wouldn’t have been possible without the involvement of YWAM,” Mr Druguta added.

He said franchise competition kicks off next month, on 7 March and the last match will be played on 28 March.

“There are many other supporters all over Fiji which I would like to thank too. I don’t really know how we have managed all these years to survive but surely we will keep fighting to preserve our identity as a powerhouse of rugby in Fiji despite our size and lack of resources,” Mr Druguta concluded.

Ovalau Rugby Union Registered Clubs

Koroloaloa RC, Viro Young Boys, Bukawaqa, Dakuiovalau, Tovolea, Qereqere, Ovalau Bay, Nasaumatua, Narocake, Marist CYM, Corocoro, St John, Yalovata, Combined Services, Natubari, Waqavuka, Nabureicolo, Gumatua, Tauranga