Assistant Minister for Youth and Sports Alipate Nagata opened the Navosa Rugby Union 2019 rugby season on Friday.

Speaking to the villages, Nagata says rugby is known to have created successful pathways for many local rugby players over the years with many players identified during local tournaments going on to make Fiji proud.

“You have the ability and the players to carry the name of the Navosa Rugby Union to the national and international stage as we are gifted with talented players. I must also commend our past and current players who have contributed to the national teams and those who have moved on to ply their trade in the rugby fields overseas.”

Nagata says the Government promotes values and social cohesion through national sports development through weekly tournament that helps bring about a healthy, vibrant and physically active nation at a domestic level.

“Sports such as rugby play an important role in the country and we have seen how it can bring people together and set our differences aside.”

Nagata stressed the importance of good governance in sports to the officials of the union, affiliated clubs the importance and office bearers to uphold the principles of accountability, transparency, and fairness for the good performance of the clubs.

“Good governance is a foundation for building sports excellence in any country and I call on each of you to work together for the realization of your mutual goals.”

He further urged the officials and members of the union to look ahead to the future and work towards the continued success of Navosa Rugby Union.