The Fiji Schoolboys rugby team has received an invitation for a tour of Australia following the conclusion of the Vodafone Deans competition, as confirmed by Jone Kanalagi, president of the Fiji Secondary Schools Rugby Union (FSSRU). This announcement was made during the launch event for the Deans and Weet-Bix Raluve competitions at Gospel High School in Suva.
Kanalagi mentioned that the FSSRU is collaborating closely with the Fiji Rugby Union (FRU) to prepare for the tour, which is anticipated to take place towards the end of September. He expressed optimism for this year’s competitions, highlighting an increase in participation, with over 11,000 boys taking part in the Deans competition and more than 4,000 girls participating in the Raluve competition.
“While the format of the competitions will remain unchanged, we are working with the FRU and the Ministry of Education to ensure our processes align with the needs of our secondary schools,” Kanalagi stated. He also praised the efforts of schools and coaches in raising the standard of competition, which is expected to reach new heights this year.
The zone finals are set to begin next week, with the Raluve quarterfinal and national play-offs scheduled for Suva on August 2, followed by the Deans quarterfinal on August 9. Kanalagi noted the participation of several new schools from the North this year, adding to the overall growth of the competitions.
The invitation for the Australia tour reflects the ongoing development and commitment to nurturing young rugby talent in Fiji, offering a valuable international experience for the players. With its rich rugby heritage, Fiji continues to produce remarkable talent that competes on a global scale, further inspiring youth participation in sports.
The anticipation surrounding not only the Australia tour but also the upcoming local competitions showcases the enthusiasm and dedication of the rugby community in Fiji, paving the way for a brighter future in the sport.
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