Cuvu College fully supports the new participation rules in the Vodafone Fiji Secondary Schools Rugby Union Competition, however, the school will not recruit six players from within its zone as it continues preparations for this Saturday's national quarterfinals.
Head coach Luke Salaba says there is no need to do so, as their Under 18 team already has a number of talented 17-year-old players it intends to retain.
He says this will allow them to build on this year's experience and make an even greater contribution to next year's campaign.
Salaba says winning the Deans Competition is a secondary objective, as their primary focus is on developing players into marketable athletes who can secure professional rugby contracts.
He says many of their players face academic challenges and may not excel in the classroom, so rugby provides them with a valuable pathway to a brighter future and greater opportunities.
The coach says the team's focus is firmly on maintaining discipline and improving the areas within its control.
He adds that, reflecting on previous campaigns, their biggest setbacks have often been self-inflicted.
He says there have been occasions when the team has lost discipline, made costly errors, and lost focus during the quarter-final stages.
Cuvu College will face Nasinu Secondary School at 3.05pm on Saturday at Garvey Park in Tavua.
In another Under-18 quarter-final at Garvey Park, RKS will take on Ra High School at 1.40pm.
Meanwhile, at HFC Bank Stadium, Lelean Memorial School will face Ratu Navula College at 4.30pm, while Suva Grammar School will meet Ba Provincial Freebird Institute at 5.55pm.
@fijivillage.com #DEANS | Cuvu College Under 18 Rugby side training at their school ground ahead of their Vodafone Super Deans Quarterfinal against Nasinu Secondary School. They will play at Garvey Park in Tavua. Kick off time is at 3.05pm. 🎥 Video: Supplied Have a news tip or captured something happening in your community? Send your photos and videos to us via Facebook Messenger or Instagram. #Fiji #fijivillage #FijiNews ♬ original sound - fijivillage
