Ananaia Rabonu
Suva Rugby Union (SRU) prop, Ananaia Rabonu has been a key asset for the Suva rugby union forwards pack, helping them win the 2019-2020 season competition. Playing hooker for his local club Covenant Brothers Ministry, along with being fortunate enough to have the opportunity to play in Malaysia for the “Pahang Rugby Club”, has helped build his skills on the pitch and helped to shape his character off of it .
Ananaia works hard and gives his best in everything he does, more than willing to do whatever it takes to help the team achieve its goals. And being part of the Tel Aviv Heat will enable him to elevate his career by learning new techniques, working within a new system, and developing more fully in an elite professional rugby environment.
At 110kg, Ananaia is sure to be a formidable scrumming asset either at tight head or at hooker for the Tel Aviv Heat. A three-time winner of the Skipper cup with his province Suva, Ananaia was also named forward of the year in 2013 and plans to bring all of his experience to the new Rugby Europe Super Cup.
Ananaia on Signing Tel Aviv:
“I am blessed to be given this opportunity to represent the Tel Aviv Heat and I am looking forward to contributing to the team, meeting other talents from other countries, and helping each other to contribute to the team as professional players.”
Coach of Suva, Sakaraia Labalaba on Ananaia Rabonu:
“A quiet and pleasant personality and very hardworking, Ananaia has the experience and the physicality to perform at the highest levels in his position and displays discipline both on and off the field. He will bring all his experience to the front row of his new team...”
Sailasa Benjamin Turagaluvu
Sailasa is a young lock who has come through the pathway of Fiji Secondary Schools Rugby Union, known in Fiji as the “Deans Rugby” competition, from U15 – U18. He has also played in the 7s code and was a member of the Fiji Rugby Academy U18 Team that played in the 2018 World Schools 7s competition in Auckland, New Zealand. He played in the local 7s U19 competition for both the Dominion Brothers and King 7s Select. All of these experiences contributed immensely to his rugby development and enabled him to go through the Suva Rugby Union pathway from Covenant Brothers Rugby Club level to Provincial level at U19, Development and currently in the Senior Team.
Sailasa on signing with Tel Aviv Heat:
“I am grateful to God for giving me this lifetime opportunity to represent the Tel Aviv Heat and the nation of Israel in the Rugby Europe Super Cup competition. I will honor this God-given opportunity by giving my best and my total commitment so that our team wins the competition. I look forward to learning all I can from the Coaching and Management Staff and also from my fellow Tel Aviv Heat teammates...”
Coach of Suva, Sakaraia Labalaba on Sailasa:
“Sailasa is a young and upcoming player, a gentle giant with uncanny skills that help him manoeuvre around the field of play. With more opportunities, a change in environment, and proper exposure, Sailasa will continue to evolve into the great player I know he will become. Aside from his skills and athleticism, Sailasa is a socialistic-oriented leader who loves to serve and understand his peers...”