The 2025 Flame Tree Waimanu Sevens Tournament has officially commenced, with organizers emphasizing its roots in grassroots development and efforts to combat drug abuse. Taking place over two days at HFC Bank Stadium in Suva, this year’s event features a competitive lineup including 28 men’s teams in the main division, 16 under-20 teams, and six women’s teams, all vying for a prize pool exceeding $40,000.
This year’s tournament marks a significant shift from the previous format of six mini-competitions to a single large-scale event, reflecting organizers’ ambitions for the future of the Waimanu Sevens. Assistant tournament director Laisiasa Kubu expressed enthusiasm, stating, “This is the first year that we are hosting a big tournament. From today, we’re going to have a shield awarded to the team that wins the main prize, marking this one-off competition. We anticipate an even bigger Waimanu rugby sevens tournament next year.”
Kubu highlighted that hosting the tournament at HFC Bank Stadium provides a great platform for youth and grassroots teams to showcase their abilities. He revealed that most participating teams are village-based, as they intentionally excluded military and well-known clubs from larger competitions this year. This focus aims to identify and nurture new talent for national squads.
Waimanu Rugby Club, situated in Naitasiri, boasts a strong tradition of producing elite players, with notable alumni such as Nasoni Roko, Ro Kini Kiliraki, Sailosi Naiteqe, Asaeli Naiteqe, and Saula Rabaka, who have all worn Fiji’s national colors in rugby sevens and fifteens. Organizers hope that this tournament will unveil more promising players to continue the proud legacy of Waimanu rugby.
As the tournament unfolds, it notably aims to inspire young athletes and reinforce community ties through sport, fostering a hopeful future for rugby in the region.
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