Shop n Save Fijian Warriors Coach Eyes Victory and Champions Cancer Cause Ahead of Thursday Clash

The Shop n Save Fijian Warriors have entered camp in Nadi, finalising preparations for their one-off match against the touring Australian Country side this Thursday, 23rd October, at King Charles Park.

The visiting Australian squad, comprised of players from regional areas including farmers and tradesmen, arrives battle-hardened. They have been in Fiji for two weeks, having warm-up against the Army Rugby team and, most recently, a combined Malolo Rugby side. The tour is a key initiative under the Australian Government’s PacificAus Sports Program, strengthening athlete development pathways between the two nations under the Vuvale Partnership.

Facing them is a young, energetic Fijian Warriors team, primarily under the age of 23, and led by Coach Cohen Politini. Fresh from guiding his Nadi side to the 2025 Skipper Cup Quarter-Finals, Politini expressed excitement about the opportunity for his new-look squad.

“I am really excited for the boys that have made the team, particularly the new boys that have come through the Vodafone Vanua Cup,” Politini stated.

Sevuloni Tawake (Navosa), Amani Tukana (Taveuni) and Savenaca Durusolo (Kadavu) have been impressive during the Vodafone Vanua Cup and earned a spot in a team that is being assisted by the likes of Ilai Derenalagi (Assistant Coach), Aca Ratuva (Assistant Coach), Tikiko Nauma (Strength & Conditioning), Kausheel Prasad (Manager) and Senirusi Seruvakula (Technical Coach).

Politini downplayed concerns over a short preparation window, highlighting the players’ sharp fitness. “Most of the boys have come off the domestic competition while some are part of the eliminations this weekend – which means they are in top fitness condition despite the short turn-around.”

The coach also emphasised the blend of experience and fresh talent within the squad, noting, “We have some new talent in the team and they are being guided by players who have been through our pathways systems and are now seniors in the team that will lead the pack.”

Beyond the rugby, a more profound goal unites both teams and the community. Coach Politini dedicated the match to the fight against breast cancer, announcing that all gate takings will be donated directly to the Fiji Cancer Society.

“We will be playing for mothers, aunts, and grandmothers that have battled through breast cancer,” he said solemnly.

He issued a rallying cry to the public, urging a strong turnout. “I urge our supporters to come in numbers to not only support the boys, but support the Fiji Cancer Society in their work of raising awareness and early detection. It is our duty as citizens of this nation to support these causes and the boys will be doing this their way on the Rugby field.”

The match kicks off at 2pm this Thursday at King Charles Park. Tickets are a flat $5 for all ages and will be available for purchase at the gates on game day.