Rupeni Caucaunibuca defends Fiji training camp call

Rupeni Caucaunibuca, one the greatest Fijian players who set the 2003 Rugby World Cup alight, has defended head coach Simon Raiwalui’s decision to base his Pacific Nations Cup players in the village of Taveuni for a week rather than setting up a training camp in Suva.

Critics have taken to social media to suggest the move is a cost cutting exercise a result of the massive debts the Fijian Rugby Union is having to deal with but Caucaunibuca hit back telling the Fiji Times: “It is good change as the national side is always training in Suva. It works both ways – fans and families in Taveuni for the first time are seeing their star players they only get to see on TV, players getting first-hand experience living in a Fijian community.”

Sam Matavesi, the Northampton and Royal Navy hooker, is also convinced the move that has seen the players mixing throughout their stay with the local people has benefitted the team who will head to France for a final World Cup warm up game against Ireland after the PNC tournament has been completed.

He said “We have seen some vigorous runs during the strength and conditioning sessions here while some have been light sessions. They have set up a plan and the players believe in it and we will work according to that.

“It is really great to have a bunch of good coaches. They have been doing a really good job. Majority of them have played for Fiji and have the country at heart while the others come in with huge experiences.”

Raiwalui is standing by his decision and the training camp will come to an end this weekend with the squad heading back to Nadi. He said: “Coming to Taveuni was all about connecting with our people. We came here so that our players can see where they are from. Everywhere we have been to, people have danced and we could only see smiles on their faces. We understand it is the first time for many of these people to meet the national players and that means a lot to them as well as our players.

“Every afternoon we train, we have seen children come running to the players after the sessions. It is sure to inspire many of them. They have got the opportunity to meet their stars and this is something we had come here for.”