The Fiji Sports Council (FSC) and the Fiji Rugby Union (FRU) have united in a significant partnership aimed at nurturing rugby talent throughout Fiji. The collaboration was formalized with an agreement signed on Thursday in Suva, which will pave the way for enhanced support for young athletes and local rugby competitions.
One of the first initiatives under this agreement is the Rooster Chicken Grassroots Fiji 7s tournament, set to take place on December 18-19 at the HFC Bank Stadium. While this event marks the opening of their new alliance, it is just the beginning of a series of activities planned for the future.
Starting in January 2026, the FSC and FRU will launch several rugby competitions, including the Grassroots 7s Series in Bua, the Development 7s Series, and the National 7s tournament. These events are strategically designed to identify and cultivate emerging rugby talent from communities throughout Fiji.
In a related development, the FSC has secured a new sponsorship deal with Rooster Chicken’s parent company, Future Farms. This firm has been a dedicated supporter of grassroots sports and their involvement significantly strengthens the partnership. Their sponsorship will bolster both the Grassroots Fiji 7s and the FSC End-of-Year Volleyball Festival, offering platforms for young athletes to showcase their skills and engage with local sports.
This year’s Grassroots Fiji 7s tournament will host 24 men’s teams, 12 under-20 teams, and eight women’s teams, while the Volleyball Festival is expected to feature 24 men’s and 16 women’s teams at the FMF Gymnasium. These events are crucial as they provide young players with access to high-quality sports facilities and instill essential values such as teamwork and discipline.
FSC chief executive Gilbert Vakalalabure expressed gratitude to Rooster Chicken and Future Farms for their unwavering support, emphasizing that it is vital for the growth of young athletes and the fortification of community sports throughout Fiji. This partnership holds great promise for fostering the next generation of rugby stars in the country, offering them more opportunities than ever before.
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