Pressure on as Malolo defend Skipper Cup title

Defending Skipper Cup champions Malolo Rugby are bracing for the upcoming season, acknowledging the heightened expectations and pressure that come with being the titleholders. Assistant coach Joseva Domolailai stated that the team is acutely aware of the target on their backs as they prepare to defend their championship.

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We are trying to get our players conditioned and their bodies trained well for the games next month. This Skipper Cup will not be easy for us. We are going in as defending champions, and the whole of Fiji will be watching, and that’s a lot of pressure. So the benchmark we set last year, we will try to maintain that this year.

Malolo has adopted a build-up strategy similar to their previous title-winning campaign, adhering to a familiar training structure while incorporating minor adjustments informed by their past experiences. "We are trying to get our players conditioned and their bodies trained well for the games next month," Domolailai said. "This Skipper Cup will not be easy for us. We are going in as defending champions, and the whole of Fiji will be watching, and that’s a lot of pressure. So the benchmark we set last year, we will try to maintain that this year."

The team's focus remains on steady improvement, though their preparation is influenced by resource availability. "Our training schedule is similar to last year. We want to improve and learn from our downfalls last year, and improve what needs to be improved," Domolailai explained. "But our program is not stabilised, we are working as we go, and according to available funds. Sometimes there’s a full camp; otherwise, it’s a three-day-per-week camp before the players are dismissed and return the following week."

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Our training schedule is similar to last year. We want to improve and learn from our downfalls last year, and improve what needs to be improved. But our program is not stabilised, we are working as we go, and according to available funds. Sometimes there’s a full camp; otherwise, it’s a three-day-per-week camp before the players are dismissed and return the following week.

Off the field, Malolo Rugby has secured a significant boost through a partnership with Fiji Pine Trust. This collaboration involves players participating in line-cutting and pine-planting activities, providing crucial financial support for the union. Team manager Semi Cabenalotu expressed gratitude for the partnership, noting its vital role in elevating the team's preparation for the competition. The Skipper, Vanua, Marama, and Ranadi Cups are set to officially launch this Saturday, with the first round of matches scheduled for the first of next month.

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On behalf of the Malolo Rugby Union, we would like to thank the Fiji Pine Trust for the partnership we currently have. It has really helped us elevate our preparation for the highly anticipated competition.