Speaking to fijivillage Sports during their training session at Albert Park in Suva, Assistant Coach Alusio Vakaoqotabua says the team's preparations began back in the village before travelling to Viti Levu for the final stages of training.
The Taveuni Men’s and U20 squads arrived in Suva last night and they have settled in well at the St Peters Chanel Parish Hall in Delainavesi.
Vakaoqotabua says one of the biggest challenges has been the lack of training equipment and limited finances, but the coaches and players remained determined to keep preparing for the competition.
Insert: coach on challenges, 27th July 26
He says while the Fiji Rugby Union has provided financial assistance, the team still had to work hard to meet the costs of its campaign.
To help cover additional expenses, the players and officials organised fundraising activities and received strong support from the people of Taveuni.
Vakaoqotabua says that encouragement from back home has kept the team motivated throughout their journey and inspired the players to keep pushing through the challenges.
He says today's training session is part of the team's final preparations before Saturday's games at Lawaqa Park, where both the Under-20 and senior teams will take on Malolo.
Vakaoqotabua is calling on Taveuni supporters living around Viti Levu to come out in numbers and cheer on the team.
He says the players are determined to give everything they have on the field to make their families, villages and everyone back home in Taveuni proud.
