HFC Bank Stadium in Suva has been confirmed as the venue for this Saturday’s Vodafone Deans and Weet-Bix Raluve semifinals, a decision that Fiji Secondary Schools Rugby Union vice‑president Biu Colati called “a huge load off our shoulders.” Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka had been the initial choice, but the heavy demand for matches across all grades prompted officials to seek a more consolidated solution.
Colati said the strong following of the Deans competition and the logistical strain of moving matches from venue to venue made the Suva confirmation a welcome relief for organisers.
Semifinal fixtures
– U14: Suva Grammar School v Lelean Memorial School; Queen Victoria School v Marist Brothers High School
– U15: Ratu Kadavulevu School v Queen Victoria School; Mahatma Gandhi Memorial High School v Suva Grammar School
– U16: Suva Grammar School v Ratu Kadavulevu School; Marist Brothers High School v Queen Victoria School
– U17: Ratu Kadavulevu School v Suva Grammar School; Ba Provincial Freebird Institute v Lelean Memorial School
– U18: Nasinu Secondary School v Natabua High School; Suva Grammar School v Ratu Kadavulevu School
– U19: Ratu Navula College v Tailevu North College; Queen Victoria School v Nasinu Secondary School
Why the move matters
Centralising the semifinals in Suva — with matches also planned across nearby Buckhurst Park and Bidesi Ground — eases logistics, improves medical and ground management, and makes it simpler for families and supporters to follow multiple games. Organisers have indicated several semifinals will be covered live on national sports channels, increasing exposure for both the Deans and the Raluve competitions.
Additional comments and practical notes
– Expect high attendance after packed quarterfinals in other centres; plan to arrive early and check official channels for ticketing and spectator guidelines.
– Wet weather in Suva has been an issue in recent days; match and ground status updates may be issued if conditions change.
– Consolidated venues help ensure better broadcast and medical coverage, and give greater visibility to girls’ Raluve fixtures — a positive step for school rugby development.
Brief summary
HFC Bank Stadium will host this Saturday’s Deans and Raluve semifinals after venue changes due to match demand. Organisers welcomed the decision as it simplifies logistics and is expected to enhance spectator and broadcast arrangements.
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