No venue has yet been confirmed to host the final of the 2025 Vodafone Deans Trophy, as revealed by the Fiji Secondary School Rugby Union (FSSRU). This follows the closure of the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva, which had initially been designated as the venue for the event. The Fiji Sports Council had informed the FSSRU last week that the stadium would be unavailable, contradicting previous arrangements made by the FSSRU for the venue dating back to last year.
The closure of the stadium is to prepare the ground for an upcoming Pacific Nations Cup match scheduled for August 30 between the FIJI Water Flying Fijians and Tonga. As a result, the FSSRU is exploring alternative venues. While Govind Park in Ba was considered as an option, discussions were unsuccessful due to scheduling conflicts with the Fiji Secondary School Football Association Championship.
Currently, Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka is being eyed for the final, although no official confirmation has been made. In the meantime, the quarter-finals for both the Deans and Weet-Bix Raluve competitions are set to take place at Prince Charles Park in Nadi next weekend, followed by semi-finals at Lawaqa Park the following week.
This situation highlights the adaptive spirit of the FSSRU in navigating the challenges of venue management to ensure competitors and fans alike can enjoy the Deans Trophy festivities. With a proactive approach, the FSSRU is committed to maintaining the integrity of the competition and providing a platform for young athletes to shine, despite these logistical hurdles. The search for an appropriate venue continues, demonstrating the organization’s dedication to successfully hosting its premier secondary school rugby competition.
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