In a significant development for rugby in the Pacific region, the Solomon Islands Government, together with Oceania Rugby and the Solomon Islands Rugby Union Federation, has announced that the 2024 Oceania Rugby 7s will take place in Honiara on December 7th and 8th.
This marks the first occasion that the premier rugby tournament will be hosted outside of traditional locations such as Fiji, New Zealand, Australia, and Samoa, following the successful 2023 Pacific Games held in Honiara.
The Solomon Islands Rugby Union, backed by the national government, will take the lead in hosting this prestigious tournament, indicating the country’s growing prominence within the regional sports community.
The event promises to attract top rugby talent from the Pacific region and will play a crucial role as a qualification opportunity for global tournaments, with two men’s teams and one women’s team securing spots in the World Rugby Sevens Challenger Series.
Prime Minister of the Solomon Islands, Hon. Jeremiah Manele, expressed his pride in welcoming such a major international event. He stated, “The Solomon Islands Government feels honored to partner with Oceania Rugby in bringing this event to Honiara in December 2024. We are committed to ensuring a successful and memorable occasion. The Solomon Islands is proud to be part of the Oceania family and I look forward to strengthening our relationship with Oceania Rugby.”
Oceania Rugby President Richard Sapias emphasized the importance of diversifying tournament locations to include emerging host nations like the Solomon Islands. He said, “We extend our deepest gratitude to the Solomon Islands Government for their admirable vision in hosting the Oceania Rugby 7s. Their dedication to sport and investment in rugby is commendable and reflects their commitment to growing the game in the Oceania region. This partnership showcases their leadership, and we look forward to seeing how this event will motivate future generations of rugby players across the Pacific.”
Oceania Rugby General Manager Frank Puletua praised the Solomon Islands’ dedication to rugby and sporting excellence, stating, “Bringing all these teams to the Solomon Islands, a place rich in historical significance, is truly remarkable. This land, once a battleground for many nations, now unites through the joy of sport. Hosting the Oceania Rugby 7s here is more than a celebration of rugby; it is about honoring our shared history and showcasing the strength of rugby 7s, a sport that unifies us all.”
The President of the Solomon Islands Rugby Union Executive Board, Hon. George Temahua, shared his enthusiasm for the upcoming tournament, highlighting its importance for the local rugby community. He noted, “Hosting the Oceania Rugby 7s is a dream come true for Solomon Islands Rugby. This tournament represents a proud moment for our nation and a valuable opportunity for our players and fans. We are eager to welcome the Pacific rugby community to Honiara and demonstrate our capability to host such an esteemed event. We sincerely thank the Solomon Islands Government for their ongoing commitment to rugby’s growth in our nation, which we believe will inspire a new generation of rugby talent in the Solomon Islands and solidify our position in the Pacific rugby scene.”
The 2024 Oceania Rugby 7s, set for December 7th and 8th, will bring together teams from across the region competing for qualification to the World Rugby Sevens Challenger Series. The tournament will offer two men’s teams and one women’s team the opportunity to compete on the international stage, significantly raising the profile of Pacific rugby and the Solomon Islands within the global sporting arena.
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