Lautoka Rugby Union has introduced a Tikina franchise, aiming to improve their performance in this year’s domestic competitions. The launch of the eight-week competition was done yesterday at the Anchorage Beach Resort in Vuda. LRU secretary Setariki Rakoto said the concept behind it is the four pillars that they have. “Firstly, it is to allow their coaches to identify and select players for the Skipper Cup and the ANZ Marama Championship,” he said. “The second is to create engagement with the corporate business houses in Lautoka. “We are trying to get as much support from our business community so they can be able to sponsor whichever franchise team they like. “Some of the sponsors include First Landing Resort, Mcdonald’s, Gecko’s Trucking and BLK. “This is our first year and we’re looking to build on that in the coming year. The success of it depends on the success of the whole thing this year. So basically for that to be successful we have to perform. “The team has to perform so we can be able to have the interest from the business communities. “Third is the development of our coaches, then creating a pathway. Not all of our players in the competition will play in the provincial team. “So, this is like a semi-provincial level. At least you can come and play.” Rakoto added that the coaches for the Maroons would be selected from the franchise competition and also from club competition. “Basically, what we are planning is that they will choose their core team from this franchise competition. Those who do not make it can go back to the club game and participate. And then we will start our off-season training.” Rakoto added that for the first time, they are having a women’s competition. “In Lautoka, there has never been any club competition for women. So, in this franchise, we have adopted a women’s competition. At the moment we only have two teams. “So hopefully by the end of this year we can have at least six teams.” The competition starts at Nadovu Park tomorrow. What’s on tomorrow 10am (Women) City Steelers v Duiyasana; 12pm (Men) Vanua Crushers v City End Highlanders; 2pm (Men) Sukanacagi Chiefs v Vuda Giants; 3.30pm Duavata Force v City Steelers. Feedback: waisean@fijisun.com.fj