Albert Park in Suva came alive with activity yesterday as aspiring young players from across the capital took part in a rugby clinic hosted by the Fiji Rugby Union, featuring representatives from Fiji’s men’s and women’s sevens teams. The event was part of a week-long FRU symposium focused on growth, development, and community engagement in Fiji rugby.
Participants ran through a series of drills and skill-building sessions, pairing fun, hands-on rugby activities with learning moments from the national sevens stars. Fiji men’s sevens head coach Osea Kolinisau stressed the value of connecting with young supporters, saying the initiative helps players engage with the people who back them through wins and losses. He noted that the kids are among the best supporters and that meeting them allows the players to give back to the next generation of Fiji rugby fans.
Kolinisau also framed the clinic as central to the symposium’s goals, describing it as a tangible example of Fiji Rugby’s growth mindset and a reflection of the federation’s vision. He emphasized that involving stakeholders in these kinds of activities helps clarify Fiji Rugby’s plans and underscores the important role they play in the sport’s future.
Looking ahead, the Fiji Sevens teams are preparing for the 2026 HSBC Sevens Series, which will feature an expanded calendar from 10 to 13 tournaments. The clinic at Albert Park underscored the broader ambition to broaden participation and strengthen the sport at the grassroots level as part of Fiji Rugby’s ongoing development drive.
The event sits within a larger wave of youth-focused rugby activity in Fiji. It complements other development initiatives mentioned during the symposium, including the recent launch of under-20 sevens programs in Navua, which showcased a wide field of young talent and highlighted the sport’s growth at the junior level. Those initiatives stress the importance of giving young players their own stage to shine and of reinforcing family and community support around youth rugby.
Overall, the Suva clinic showcased a hopeful trajectory for Fiji rugby, blending community engagement with a clear path toward higher-level competition and long-term sustainability.
Summary of value and context:
– A day of hands-on rugby clinics with Fiji’s national sevens players at Albert Park, tied to the FRU symposium.
– Emphasis on youth engagement, supporter relationships, and a growth-oriented national vision.
– Part of a broader development push that includes Under-20 sevens events in Navua, reinforcing a pipeline from grassroots to elite levels.
– Positive outlook for Fiji rugby as it expands its calendar and strengthens community ties.
Additional notes for editors:
– Consider adding participant attendance figures and names of standout young players to personalize the piece.
– Include a short caption for photos showing drills and interactions between kids and sevens players.
– For SEO, weave in keywords such as “Fiji rugby development,” “FRU symposium,” “Under-20 Sevens,” and “HSBC Sevens Series 2026.”
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