Life in Fiji may seem idyllic, but it is also harsh. Food can easily be grown in this lush and verdant place, so people don’t go hungry, and strong families and communities mean everyone has someone to turn to in times of need, but opportunities to create a better life are scarce. Just like anywhere, it is often the youth who have nowhere to channel their energy and can get into trouble. Since Uprising’s vision is to be a place for visitors and locals, alike, they thought about what the resort could provide beyond some jobs and a place to go on a Friday night.
For Rene there was an obvious answer: RUGBY. Not only is he passionate about the sport, so is everyone else in the Fiji Islands. There is something about this modern game that resonates with the ancient traditions of the Fijian People. Playing and watching rugby are, arguably, the two biggest national pastimes. It is well known that physical sports are a great way to build character, stay fit and take enjoyment from life. Plus, an Uprising team would cross community and village lines to bring people together. With unanimous support from his management staff, Rene decided to put his degree in Sports Science to work for the good of his community and start a rugby team.
The team was initially created with just the staff of Uprising Beach Resort and their relatives. Some of the boys were already playing for local club teams, but they happily switched over. Others didn’t have formal experience but were eager to join. The promise of getting in shape, being stronger and faster, and maybe getting to travel to other countries was hard to resist.
The rugby program has been going for about a year. In this time, a work out gym has been built, and a rigorous training schedule has been developed by Rene, and the team’s personal trainer, Mahen. And the guys are getting pretty good! They win consistently, and occasionally lose valiantly against much more seasoned teams, such as the Fiji National Sevens team, who are international champions, by the way. Having outgrown the Namosi District Club (and winning the Shield), they have been accepted for competitive play in the larger Suva Club.
The team has also begun to travel outside of Fiji, gaining exposure to the international Rugby Club circuit and the wide world in general. So far, they have been to Australia, Italy and England. We know they bring a bit of Fiji’s magic with them wherever they go.
You can track their games and travels from our website (put link to their schedule and blog here). We would love to see you at one of our games when you come to visit Uprising Resort, or better yet, when we come to your country to play!
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