The rugby town of Sigatoka is gearing up for an exciting event as Fiji Rugby launches the Na Soko tournament, a groundbreaking women’s rugby franchise competition, scheduled to take place tomorrow at Lawaqa Park. This tournament is not just a competition but a strategic initiative designed to bridge local provincial rugby and elite professional play, specifically supporting the growth and development of the Vodafone Fijiana XV team.
Na Soko will feature a semi-professional structure, uniting players from 36 different unions who will compete across four regional franchise teams: Camakau, Bilibili, Kaunitoni, and Takia. Alana Thomas, the Women’s High-Performance Manager at Fiji Rugby, expressed her enthusiasm for the tournament, highlighting its role in providing a platform for players not currently associated with the Fijian Drua to showcase their skills and potentially secure spots in the Rugby World Cup squad.
“This tournament is an incredible opportunity for talented players to push for inclusion in the Oceania squad,” Thomas articulated. Additionally, Na Soko is set to support the development of coaches from a new High-Performance coaching program, allowing them to gain valuable experience and assessment in their roles.
Tournament Director Jiko Matawalu stressed the significance of Na Soko as more than a mere tournament; it represents a pivotal pathway for local talent to ascend to the professional levels of the sport and proudly wear the Fijiana jersey. “We are creating a way forward that connects grassroots rugby to the elite stage,” he noted.
Moreover, the four franchises pay tribute to Fiji’s maritime heritage, emphasizing the cultural significance of the tournament. By fostering a competitive yet inclusive environment, Na Soko aims to prepare players for the high demands of professional rugby.
Fiji Rugby has enlisted the support of the Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre in this initiative, underscoring a collaborative effort to boost women’s rugby in the nation. Fans, families, and communities are encouraged to come out and show their support for this historic launch.
Recent similar initiatives, such as the Lautoka Rugby Union’s introduction of women’s competitions, reflect a growing commitment to promoting women’s rugby throughout Fiji, suggesting that with ongoing support and development, the future looks bright for female athletes in the region. As communities rally around this event, there’s hope for a vibrant new chapter in the landscape of women’s rugby, underscoring the transformative power of sport in inspiring and empowering women.
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