Whitley Bay Rockcliff send kit to Fiji
The team at Whitley Bay Rockcliff RFC have joined forces with an age-grade academy on the other side of the world to send a package of rugby kit, otherwise destined for landfill, to support the development of age grade rugby in Fiji.
After hearing an after-dinner presentation from an ex-Fijian international rugby player, Whitley Bay Rockcliff RFC president Scott Carruthers was surprised to learn the difficulty that some young rugby players in parts of the southern hemisphere nation experience accessing playing kit, and often play barefoot.
He explained: “There is a chronic shortage of kit available to the youth in the Pacific islands, due to its availability and more importantly expense.
“Whitley Bay Rockcliff has a massive age-grade community of over 400 children from under-6s up to Colts feeding its senior ranks. Following a new sponsorship deal with Gilbert, we have found ourselves with plenty of new and redundant rugby kit.”
Whitley Bay Rockcliff RFC is set to donate their first package of 30 full sets of kit and boots ready for dispatch. The package is destined for a rugby academy in Suva, the capital and largest city in Fiji, which is managed by ex-Leicester Tiger and Fijian international Seremaia Bai.
Last Thursday, Whitley Rockcliff RFC was joined by Newcastle Falcons’ Fijian players George Wacokecoke, Vereimi Qorowale and Cameron Nordli-Kelemeti for a small kit presentation. Whitley Rockcliff gave thanks to Newcastle Falcons and sponsorship from The Geordie Baker, ensuring the package is ready to be dispatched.
Whitley Bay Rockcliff are continuing to collect surplus kit and support further donations to developing rugby nations with similar needs. Should any other club or organisation wish to replicate the programme, please contact the Whitley Bay Rockcliff president via their club website.
For more information about Falcons Community’s Club Connection programme please email falconscommunity@newcastle-falcons.co.uk .
