The Tabuya Shield is set to become a significant addition to the Fijian rugby landscape, marking an exciting moment for the Southern Zone Under-18 teams. This emblematic shield was presented to the Southern Zone committee by Member of Parliament Lynda Tabuya, symbolizing both a tribute to the late Jone Tabuya and a commitment to the future of Fijian rugby.
The late Jone Tabuya, a member of the Marist Brothers High School rugby team that triumphed in 1968, is honored through this shield. Lynda Tabuya, who is also the Kadavu Rugby Union president and the first woman to lead a provincial rugby union in Fiji, emphasized the importance of the shield beyond its status as a trophy.
During the handover ceremony, she articulated that the shield serves as a symbol for growth, opportunity, and legacy within the sport. “This shield is more than a trophy; it is a symbol of legacy, opportunity, and the belief that rugby can be a path to personal and professional growth,” Tabuya remarked. She urged young athletes, regardless of gender, to not only excel in rugby but to also embrace educational and career pathways that will enable them to become productive and healthy citizens.
This initiative aligns with broader efforts within Fijian rugby to support youth development, similar to the recent re-establishment of the Jone Tabuya Shield for under-18 competitions and the return of initiatives like the Kaji competition for girls’ rugby. Last month, the Fiji Primary Schools Rugby Union successfully launched a girls’ rugby program, marking an important step towards inclusivity in the sport.
Southern Zone president Rusiate Wadali mentioned that they plan to host weekly matches for the Tabuya Shield starting next year, further promising a vibrant competitive atmosphere. This development is a hopeful sign for the future of youth rugby in Fiji, emphasizing teamwork, discipline, and a commitment to growth, both on and off the field.
As young athletes prepare for the inaugural contest for the Tabuya Shield, it is clear that this initiative will not only honor the legacy of Jone Tabuya but will inspire new generations of Fijian rugby players to dream big and strive for success in various avenues of life.
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