Vatukoula Eyes Swift Return to Top-Tier Rugby Championship

Vatukoula, recently relegated from Fiji Rugby's premier competition, is determined to make an immediate return to the Skipper Cup. The team kicks off its 2026 Vodafone Vanua Championship season with a match against Yasawa at Churchill Park.

Head coach Emori Ratu acknowledged that preparations have been challenging. Several players are balancing their rugby duties with work responsibilities, leading to disruptions. Despite these hurdles, Ratu remains confident in his squad's ability to perform.

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We’re now preparing for our opening game this week against Yasawa. I have faith in my boys and I know we will play a good game even though our preparation hasn’t been whole due to the players having to attend work and changes of shift.

"We're now preparing for our opening game this week against Yasawa. I have faith in my boys and I know we will play a good game even though our preparation hasn’t been whole due to the players having to attend work and changes of shift," Ratu stated. He believes the team has the capability to challenge Yasawa and secure a strong start to their promotion bid.

The Vanua Championship season begins with several fixtures. Alongside Yasawa hosting Vatukoula, other matches include Bua playing Macuata, Northland facing Ra, Coastland against Northern Bulls, Nasinu meeting Ovalau, and Namosi battling Serua. The Ranadi competition also features six games.

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I am confident that we will give Yasawa a good game tomorrow. We will try our utmost best to get back into the Skipper Cup, a place where we were last season.