The Fiji Sports Council is thrilled to announce the inaugural leg of the 2025 Grassroots Fiji Under-21 7s Tournament, which is set to take place in Wairiki Village, Bua, from April 25-26, 2025. This initiative is part of a broader effort to uncover and nurture rugby talent within Fiji’s grassroots communities, particularly in the Northern Division.
Teams composed of both men and women can participate in the tournament by registering for a fee of $350. The competition offers enticing cash prizes, which include $3,500 for the winners, $2,000 for the runners-up, $750 for semi-finalists, $1,000 for the plate winners, and $500 for the bowl winners.
In addition to rugby, the event will also host an open-grade volleyball tournament for both genders, providing further opportunities for community engagement and sports participation. Emosi Lasaqa, the communications officer for the Fiji Sports Council, anticipates a strong turnout, aiming for at least 16 men’s teams and eight women’s teams to show the enthusiasm and talent of young players across Fiji.
The Grassroots Fiji 7s program, launched last year, has already demonstrated its effectiveness, having led to the selection of promising players who recently represented Fiji in the Hamilton 7s in New Zealand. Lasaqa emphasized the council’s dedication to expanding opportunities for youth from all areas, including remote and maritime communities. The tournament this year will extend its reach further than ever, with planned legs in remote locations like Naroi in Moala and Kadavu.
The inclusion of these hard-to-reach areas highlights the Council’s mission to empower rural communities and offer equal opportunities for aspiring rugby athletes. Teams are reminded that the registration deadline for the Wairiki tournament is on the 17th of this month, and there is an encouraging call for young rugby players and community leaders in the North to seize this opportunity.
This approach to grassroots development not only fosters local talent but also contributes positively to the cultural and sporting landscape of Fiji, ensuring that the rich tradition of rugby continues to thrive for generations to come.
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