Suva, Fiji – July 6, 2025: Papua New Guinea’s rising rugby talents from Ialibu in the Southern Highlands Province continue to make waves in Fiji’s competitive rugby scene. Over the weekend, two standout players—Jayvyn Rekisa of SiwiUtame and Brandon Saun (Kawa) of Kendahl—played key roles in Eastern Saints Rugby Club’s emphatic 27-8 victory over Savura in the FMF Suva Rugby Union Premier Grade clash at Albert Park.
Billed as a local grudge match—with several Eastern Saints players hailing from Tamavua Village, the same landowning community as many Savura players—the game quickly turned into a fierce battle of pride and physicality. Known for their uncompromising style of play, Savura brought heavy contact and aggressive defense early on.
However, Eastern Saints weathered the early pressure and responded with a well-structured game plan and calm execution—hallmarks of the influence of former Flying Fijian rep Seremaia Bai, who serves as the club’s coaching director. The Saints gradually took control, combining tactical precision with physical dominance to overpower their opponents. At the center of it all were the two Ialibu warriors, whose standout performances lit up Albert Park.
Jayvyn Rekisa, returning from an eight-week injury layoff, was named in the starting lineup for only his second game back—and what a return it was. Usually a flanker, Rekisa started at number 8 and delivered a Man of the Match performance, scoring two crucial tries, delivering bone-rattling tackles, and carrying the ball with relentless power. His leadership around the ruck and physical presence set the tone for the Saints’ forward dominance.
“This was a very tough encounter,” Jayvyn said after the match. “Savura really brought it physically, but we stuck to the plan and backed each other. Credit to the coaches for believing in us. We’re building well heading into finals.”
Brandon Saun, affectionately known by his Kendeyamo relatives in PNG as “Kawa,” also put on a stellar display in the backline. Starting at inside centre, Saun dazzled with lightning footwork, slick passing, and rugby league instincts. He set up a first-half try for his winger and scored one himself in the second half, slicing through the defense with ease. Having played across centre, wing, and fullback this season, this was undoubtedly his most impressive performance yet. Saun has become the Saints’ reliable “Mr. Fix-It.”
A former Kaiviti Silktails rugby league player, Brandon’s transition back to union has been seamless, and his dynamic skillset adds valuable depth to the Saints’ backline. While the coaching staff have yet to lock him into a permanent position, the number 12 jersey may just be his long-term home.
Representative Honours on the Horizon
Following the match, both Rekisa and Saun received invitations to attend tryouts for Suva Rugby Union’s representative squad on Monday. Jayvyn, still eligible for the Suva U20 team and already on the radar of selectors, is now also being considered for the senior squad. Brandon, too, will be looking to impress and secure a place in the provincial lineup ahead of the Skipper Cup season, which kicks off in 4–5 weeks.
Team Manager Epeli Sovalevu praised their rise, noting:
“Their aim is to follow in the footsteps of fellow Papua New Guinean Chris Minimbi, who came through the Fijian club competitions and now plays professionally with the Fijian Drua and has earned test caps for Fiji.”
As the FMF Suva Rugby Union season heads toward its climax, Eastern Saints appear to be hitting peak form at just the right time. With Rekisa and Saun firing on all cylinders, their campaign could well go the distance—though they remain grounded, knowing that the challenges ahead are great. After all, this is Fiji Rugby at its very best.