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 officially announced that the 2024 Oceania Rugby 7s will take place in Honiara on December 7th and 8th.
This marks the first occasion that this premier rugby tournament will be hosted outside of Fiji, New Zealand, Australia, and Samoa, following the successful 2023 Pacific Games held in Honiara. The Solomon Islands Rugby Union, with the backing of the national government, will oversee the event, highlighting the country’s rising prominence in the regional sports community.
The tournament is expected to attract top rugby talent from across the Pacific and beyond. It will also be a pivotal qualification event for global competitions, with two men’s teams and one women’s team vying for entry into the World Rugby Sevens Challenger Series.
Prime Minister of the Solomon Islands, Hon. Jeremiah Manele, expressed his enthusiasm regarding the event, underlining its importance as a major international occasion. “The Solomon Islands Government is deeply honored to partner with Oceania Rugby to host this event in Honiara in December 2024. We will do everything possible to ensure this is a successful and memorable occasion. Solomon Islands proudly stands with the Oceania family of nations, and I am eager to work closely with Oceania Rugby to cultivate this partnership,” stated Prime Minister Manele.
Richard Sapias, President of Oceania Rugby, emphasized the value of diversifying the tournament by introducing new host nations like the Solomon Islands. “We extend our heartfelt thanks to the Solomon Islands Government for their visionary approach in selecting Honiara as the host city for the Oceania Rugby 7s. Their investment in rugby and belief in its power to unite speaks volumes about their commitment to nurturing the sport across the Oceania region. This collaboration reflects their leadership, and we look forward to seeing how this event inspires future generations of rugby players in the Pacific,” remarked Sapias.
Frank Puletua, General Manager of Oceania Rugby, lauded the Solomon Islands for their dedication to rugby and sporting excellence. “Bringing all these teams to the Solomon Islands, a place with deep historical importance, is truly remarkable. This is a region where many nations have previously clashed, but now, united through the power of sport, we come together. Hosting the Oceania Rugby 7s signifies not only a celebration of rugby but also a return to the sport’s roots in the Pacific islands,” he noted.
Hon. George Temahua, President of the Solomon Islands Rugby Union Executive Board, shared his excitement about the upcoming tournament and its immense significance for the local rugby community. “Hosting the Oceania Rugby 7s is a dream realized for Solomon Islands Rugby. This tournament represents a moment of pride for our nation and an exceptional opportunity for our players, fans, and the entire community. We are prepared to welcome the Pacific rugby family to Honiara and demonstrate our capability to host such a prestigious event. We extend our deepest gratitude to the Solomon Islands Government for their steadfast support of rugby in our country. We believe this will inspire a new generation of rugby talent and solidify our position in the Pacific rugby arena,” he declared.
The 2024 Oceania Rugby 7s, scheduled for December 7th and 8th, will feature teams from across the region competing for qualification in the World Rugby Sevens Challenger Series. The tournament will provide two men’s teams and one women’s team the opportunity to compete on an international level, further elevating the stature of Pacific rugby and the Solomon Islands in the global sporting landscape.
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