Levuka, January 19 – The Island Breeze Rugby Plus, which is a ministry of the Youth With A Mission based in Australia, has been lauded for their contribution towards the development of ardent rugby players in the country.

The Minister for Youth and Sports Hon. Laisenia Tuitubou while launching the week-long rugby clinic organised by the Island Breeze Rugby Plus at the Lomaiviti Provincial Office on Ovalau last night said that the initiative of the Rugby Plus would impact young Fijian ruggers.

“Rugby is an interest for many Fijians and being able to tap into this interest and turn it into an effective development tool is truly worth noting because nothing speaks louder to us than rugby or sport for that matter.

“I wish to commend Island Breeze Rugby Plus for their love of rugby and young people which led to these rugby clinics being held to help assist youths to be able to apply the same principles usually applied on the rugby field to their daily lives,” said Minister Tuitubou.

He added that with the clinic’s program also addressing the issue of drug and alcohol abuse and other related issues, it would help to boost young people’s self-esteem and confidence.

“The use of the universal game of rugby as a tool to help youths off the street and develop them to become positive influences in their respective communities is indeed praiseworthy as it compliments Government’s efforts in addressing these ensuing issues,” he said.

“With the rugby clinic also espoused to include a Level 1 Sports Chaplaincy, I have no doubts that after the completion of this rugby clinic, participants will have been empowered to make the right decisions and will also be able to lead better and fulfilling lives as a direct result of undergoing this clinic,” added the Sports Minister.

Island Breeze Rugby Plus founder and leader Waqa Baravilala said that the Rugby Plus program was tailor made to suit Fijians and that it has now been introduced in other countries.

“Island Breeze Rugby Plus was founded on the thought to develop rugby players mentally, physically and spiritually because through that we can actually pave a pathway for these young talented players to further their rugby playing careers,” said Mr Baravilala.

The program which will focus on grassroots and pathway developments for the program in Fiji and Australia with the rugby clinics being facilitated by the Island Breeze Head of Rugby and former Flying Fijians coach Mr. Ilivasi Tabua, former Fiji Sevens coach Mr. Etuate Waqa and Mr. Osea Umuumulovo on Ovalau and Moturiki.