The Digicel Suva Rugby Festival kicked off last night at the Albert Park with former Suva reps hosted to a dinner.

Former Suva reps Suliasi Tolotu who played for Suva and Fiji in the 1960s and 70s, Salacieli Navilawasa, Usa Daunivalu, Pita Naruma, Inoke Male, Bill Gadola and Saiyasi Fuli are some of the players who were at the dinner.

Tolotu Senior was the chief guest of the night and challenged the members of the Fiji 7's team and current Suva reps saying that in his time, to be part of a national trial and team was an honour, especially for the players as they worked hard to wear the National jumper.

Tolotu adds in those days the players played their hearts out for their country although they did not have the proper training equipment and money was not an issue.

Suva Rugby Union Chairman, Vilikesa Rauca said those words of encouragement from former Suva reps has given the officials a lot of boost as they prepare for the one week Suva Rugby Festival.