A group of 14 from Crookwell, made up of current and past players, have been working in the local village of Yaroi, about 45 minutes from the main island, over the past week.

The Dogs, with the help of the local provincial rugby union side Sakaudrobe, have been building a 250-metre boundary fence for the village, and bringing their professional and personal trade skills to the task. 

Raising $1000, they plan to donate more than 200 books and stationery items to remote villages before their departure this Sunday.

Player Curly Price described the experience as eye-opening and uplifting for the whole team. 

Despite their short trip, the two teams have quickly united, abandoning their differing cultural barrier.

On breaks it would not be unusual to catch the players in conversation, sharing a joke or playing rugby together.

The team hopes to continue communication with the Fijian team and one day establish a stronger sister club with players visiting Crookwell. 

Former Dogs coach Bruce Nixon, who is with the group in Fiji, says the trip has provided a renewed understanding to those who are less fortunate.

“These players have no boots and very little money. You would think there is no place for rugby here,” he said.

“Whether the guys in Fiji don’t have anything, when it comes to rugby it’s all the same. Rugby in Crookwell is not just about footy, it’s the whole process of being a part of the community.

“I couldn’t be more proud of these boys.”