• The President of the Tailevu Rugby Union;
• Board members of the Tailevu Rugby Union;
• Affiliated club management;
• Supporters & Distinguished guests;
• Players, Ladies and Gentlemen

Ni sa bula vinaka and a very good evening to you all.

It gives me much pleasure to be here this evening to officiate at your awards ceremony. It is nights such as this that gives an incentive for players and officials alike to step up their performances, year in year out, and I wish to thank the organisers for seeing it fit that we should celebrate your accomplishments throughout the season.
At the onset of my address this evening, I wish to take us a bit through our 2015 Rugby World Cup exploits. It is no doubt that we have all watched and supported our courageous Flying Fijians who are currently playing at the Rugby World Cup in England. We played the 4th, 3rd and 2nd ranked teams of the tier 1 nations in world rugby in the span of 2 weeks and the level of rugby our brave champions displayed is surely something to be proud of. Throughout the tournament, it is evident that there has been major improvement in our set pieces especially our scrums where we were once bullied around the paddock by much bigger teams but I am glad to say that this is no longer the case. Also, our lineouts have vastly improved and I can proudly say that with each of their games they have showcased feats of brilliance and bravery which has spurred our deepest cheers and hope.

Unfortunately, we are now out of contention for the Cup quarters but let us not dwell on the negatives yet look to the horizon for better things to come. Let us take out the positives from this year’s tournament and work on it in order to qualify for the next one in four years’ time. I know that there is not a single one here tonight who isn’t proud of our boys’ achievements. We have indeed had a telling hand in the so called pool of death and even though we have fallen short of our target, we showcased clear and well the talent and rugby prowess that we possess. It is on this note that I wish to congratulate our gallant warriors and I hope them all the best in their last pool match against Uruguay.

While on the notion of the Rugby World Cup and international rugby in general, I can confidently say that some players that once played in clubs affiliated to the Tailevu Rugby Union have made a name for themselves in the international rugby arena and that speaks volumes of the development of the sport that is currently being undertaken in the union.

Tonight is an evening of celebration for this achievement, the development of rugby in the union of Tailevu as a whole. We are here to give credit where it is due and I am therefore pleased to note that there are a number of awards to be given out in recognition of your rugby talents as well as the administration and management aspect of any sporting organisation.

While on the topic of administration in any sporting union or association, I wish to share with you all the importance of good governance in sports. Good governance in sports is a foundation for building sports excellence in any country. A good example of the benefits of good governance are those sports that excelled during the 2015 Pacific Games as they have been rewarded because of the practicing of good governance in their sporting organisations. It is imperative that office bearers and affiliates of the union uphold its principles of accountability, transparency and equity for the good conduct of the union and its impending plans. I call on each of you to work together for the fulfilment of your combined aspirations as a union.

I see this as a driving force behind the success of any sporting team. Throughout the years, Nadroga Rugby Union has consistently produced formidable teams that have dominated the local rugby scene and they owe this to good governance and proper organisation. I wish to highlight their accomplishments here because they have been the country’s rugby champions for the past few years. I see Tailevu Rugby Union as also having some of the best rugby talent the country has to offer but the onus is on you to effect a winning combination for the future. I for one will be looking with interest upon the inroads that Tailevu rugby will ensue to bring more accolades for Tailevu Rugby Union.

Before I conclude, I wish to reiterate Government’s unwavering commitment to the development of sports in all its facets in the country. The Fijian Government has always placed significant emphasis on the growth of our nation, whether it is from an economic perspective, social, health or from a political perspective. Government recognizes that for our nation to reach the pinnacle of success and to maintain a holistic and sustainable growth, we must channel substantive and consistent effort towards the development of our young people especially the sportsmen and women.

We must partner with youths to identify and develop the myriads of opportunities that can be optimized for every young person to become successful in life, irrespective of their social background, physical disabilities, gender, ethnicity, religious, and political affiliation which this sports ministry is committed to achieving.

Government through the Sports Ministry has finalized all processes for the establishment of two integrated rural sports complex in Kadavu and Gau islands. These facilities will include basic amenities and facilities that will enhance and develop rural sports and athletes.

Furthermore, through the generosity of the government of the People’s Republic of China, with the facilitation of the Office of the Prime Minister and our ministry, a more advanced facility will be built in Vunidawa in Naitasiri, Seaqaqa in Macuata and namely Korovou in Tailevu which is sure to boost the efforts of Tailevu Rugby Union in the future. This is indicative of Government’s commitment to developing sports as it has realised the impact sports has made to our nation.

I once again wish to congratulate all who award recipients tonight and I look forward to better things to come from the Tailevu Rugby Union.

May you all enjoy your evening.

Thank you and vinaka vakalevu

ENDS