Jone Fihaki, the head coach for New Zealand Fijian girls, is advocating for the organization of tournaments like the Global Youth 7s in Fiji. He emphasizes that such events are essential for revealing young female rugby talent that often remains overlooked.
According to Fihaki, numerous gifted girls in Fiji lack the opportunity to compete, which in turn limits their chances of being recognized and advancing to higher levels of the sport. He asserts that platforms like the Global 7s provide these athletes with a chance to demonstrate their skills to coaches and selectors, potentially paving the way for national team opportunities.
While boys’ rugby has historically garnered more attention, Fihaki notes the rapid expansion of women’s rugby and stresses the importance of investing in competitive events for girls. Hosting tournaments locally would enable more young players to participate, hone their skills, and gain visibility, thereby tapping into the wealth of talent that Fiji possesses.
Fihaki also expressed hope that Fiji Rugby will consider launching a local iteration of such competitions, which would bolster the future of women’s rugby both in Fiji and among the Fijian community worldwide.
In a related development, the Global Youth 7s concluded last week in Auckland, where both New Zealand girls and boys under 18 claimed victory in their respective categories. This underscores the need for similar opportunities to be made available for young female players in Fiji, ensuring they can thrive in the sport and receive the recognition they deserve.
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