In a significant development for rugby in the Pacific, 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 7th and 8th.
This marks the first occasion that the prestigious tournament will be hosted outside of traditional venues such as Fiji, New Zealand, Australia, and Samoa, following the successful hosting of the 2023 Pacific Games in Honiara.
The Solomon Islands Rugby Union, backed by the national government, will organize this high-profile event, demonstrating the country’s growing reputation in the regional sports arena.
The tournament will attract top rugby talent from across the Pacific and around the world, serving as a crucial qualification event for global competitions. Two men’s teams and one women’s team will secure spots in the World Rugby Sevens Challenger Series.
Prime Minister of the Solomon Islands, Hon. Jeremiah Manele, expressed pride in this announcement, highlighting the importance of hosting such a significant international event.
“The Solomon Islands Government is honored to partner with Oceania Rugby in hosting this event in Honiara. We will do everything possible to ensure it is a successful and memorable occasion. Solomon Islands is proud to be part of the Oceania community, and I look forward to strengthening our collaboration with Oceania Rugby,” stated Prime Minister Manele.
Oceania Rugby President Richard Sapias emphasized the value of expanding the tournament to new host nations like the Solomon Islands.
“We are incredibly grateful to the Solomon Islands Government for their vision in bringing the Oceania Rugby 7s to Honiara. Their commitment to investing in rugby reflects their dedication to growing the sport in the Oceania region. This partnership showcases their leadership, and we anticipate this event will inspire future generations of rugby players throughout the Pacific,” remarked Sapias, the Oceania Rugby President. Frank Puletua, General Manager of Oceania Rugby, also acknowledged the Solomon Islands’ dedication to rugby.
“Inviting all these teams to the Solomon Islands, a place of profound historical significance, is truly special. This location, once a meeting ground for conflict, now symbolizes unity through sport. Hosting the Oceania Rugby 7s here honors our shared history while demonstrating the strength of our region through rugby 7s—a unifying sport for us all,” commented Puletua.
Honorable George Temahua, President of the Solomon Islands Rugby Union Executive Board, shared his enthusiasm for the upcoming tournament, emphasizing its importance for local rugby.
“Hosting the Oceania Rugby 7s is a realization of our dreams for Solomon Islands Rugby. This tournament is a proud moment for our nation and an incredible opportunity for our players, fans, and the entire country. We are poised to welcome the Pacific rugby community to Honiara, showcasing our capability to host such a prominent event. We thank the Solomon Islands Government for their steadfast commitment to advancing rugby in our nation, which we believe will inspire a new generation of talent,” stated Temahua.
The 2024 Oceania Rugby 7s, scheduled for December 7th and 8th, will feature teams from across the region competing for qualification to the World Rugby Sevens Challenger Series. This tournament presents an opportunity for two men’s teams and one women’s team to shine on the global stage, further elevating the significance of Pacific rugby and the Solomon Islands within the international sports landscape.
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