In a significant development for rugby in the Pacific region, the Solomon Islands Government, in collaboration 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 7 and 8.
This marks the first occasion the prestigious 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.
With support from the national government, the Solomon Islands Rugby Union will oversee the tournament, reflecting the country’s rising profile in the regional sports arena. The event is expected to attract top rugby talent from across the Pacific, and it holds particular significance as it will serve as a key qualification pathway for major 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 hosting such an international event. “The Solomon Islands Government feels honored to partner with Oceania Rugby for this December 2024 occasion. We are committed to ensuring it is a successful and memorable event. We are proud to be part of the Oceania community and look forward to strengthening our relationship with Oceania Rugby,” he stated.
Oceania Rugby President Richard Sapias emphasized the importance of introducing the tournament to new host countries like the Solomon Islands. “We extend our sincere thanks to the Solomon Islands Government for their visionary leadership in bringing the Oceania Rugby 7s to Honiara. Their commitment to sport and investment in rugby highlights their dedication to enhancing the game in the region, and we are eager to see how this event will inspire future generations of Pacific rugby players,” Sapias remarked.
Additionally, Oceania Rugby General Manager Frank Puletua praised the Solomon Islands’ dedication to rugby and sportsmanship. “Hosting this tournament in a place of historical significance is truly remarkable. The unifying power of sport allows us to come together, and it’s a chance to celebrate our shared history while showcasing the strength and unity of the Pacific through rugby 7s,” he explained.
George Temahua, President of the Solomon Islands Rugby Union Executive Board, voiced his enthusiasm for the tournament and its impact on the local rugby community. “Hosting the Oceania Rugby 7s is a dream come true for us. This tournament presents a fantastic opportunity for our players and fans, showcasing our capability to host such a prestigious event. We thank the Solomon Islands Government for their commitment to rugby’s growth in our country, and we believe this will motivate a new generation of rugby talent here,” Temahua stated.
The 2024 Oceania Rugby 7s promises to be a pivotal event, with teams competing for qualifications for the World Rugby Sevens Challenger Series, thereby elevating the prominence of Pacific rugby and the Solomon Islands on the international sports stage.
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