Unit to dedicate award to Vugakoto

Fiji Times - Thursday, February 14, 2008 8:13 AM

THE Fiji Rugby Union High Performance Unit will honour late national under-19 skipper John Bowmen Vugakoto by having an award dedicated to him.

HPU manager Peter Murphy said the Unit had decided to honour the youngster, who was a fine example of what players are supposed to be like.

"John was what every coach would want and we are very sad to have lost him," Murphy said.

"We have decided to have an award in honour of him and this will go to the most outstanding player who graduates from the HPU academy each year.

"This way we will always remember John and his contribution to the sport."

Vugakoto graduated from the HPU academy last December.

The former Suva Grammar School student was a leading contender for the skipper's role for the Junior World Cup to be held in Wales this June.

The 19-year-old passed away last Tuesday after apparently suffering from a heart condition. The Fiji U-20 training squad members, meanwhile has Vugakoto close to their hearts, as they prepare for the JWC.

Coach Rayne Simpson said he had reminded the players that Vugakoto would have played a key role in their outing at the JWC.

"It is his philosophy which we will follow as he was a leading example of what all players should be like," Simpson said.

Prior to the start of the annual sports awards program at Laucala last Friday night, the sporting fraternity led by interim Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama took a minute's silence to stand in respect for late teen rugby star.