Dreketi Central College’s first-ever run to the Raluve U16 semifinal is more than a historic milestone for the school’s rugby program—it marks a turning point in how families view girls in the sport and signals growing support from the community. When the sport was first introduced, getting parents to allow their daughters onto the field was the biggest hurdle. Today, ahead of their semifinal clash with Sigatoka Methodist High School, Principal Emoni Tuvui says the team has the full backing of its community.
“First time when we introduced this there was a bit of hardship trying to encourage and convince the parents. So when they saw them playing in the rugby field, the mindset of our parents changed totally because the game now has become professional and it is also one of the pathways for success for the students,” he said. The principal added that the sport has positively shaped the girls on and off the field, with rugby values translating into school life.
“I encourage the teachers and the girls to be involved in rugby and this has helped them holistically inside the classroom and outside in terms of their public relations, and we uphold the values of rugby which include discipline, integrity, respect — all very important in the upbringing of the students to become good citizens of the country,” he continued.
The semifinals for the 2025 Vodafone Raluve and Deans competitions are scheduled to be staged this Saturday at a Suva cluster of venues, with HFC Bank Stadium, Buckhurst Park and Bidesi Ground hosting selected matches. The schedule reflects a broader push to centralize big school rugby events in Suva to streamline logistics, improve medical and ground management, and make it easier for families and supporters to follow multiple games. Plans are also in place to broadcast matches live on FBC Sports and FBC 2, with overseas viewers able to watch via Vitiplus. (Prices for overseas streaming have varied in coverage across outlets, but Vitiplus remains a key option for international fans.)
The move to consolidate semifinal venues is part of a wider effort to boost broadcast visibility and engagement for both the Deans and Raluve competitions, highlighting the growing development pathway for Fiji’s youth rugby and the increasing emphasis on gender-inclusive programs. The Dreketi Central College story mirrors a national trend: communities rallying around girls’ teams, improved facilities, and a clearer route from schoolyards to national stages.
What to watch
– The U16 girls’ teams continue to push the boundaries of school rugby in Fiji, with community support and school leadership playing pivotal roles.
– The Suva venue cluster is designed to enhance fan access, medical coverage, and live broadcast opportunities, expanding the sport’s reach.
– The weekend’s action fits into a broader schedule of semifinals across multiple grades, underscoring both depth of talent and the growing profile of Fiji’s youth rugby.
Summary
Dreketi Central College’s historic U16 semifinal run showcases how community backing, leadership support, and a commitment to rugby values can transform perceptions and opportunities for young female athletes. The weekend semifinals, hosted across Suva’s venues and broadcast nationally and internationally, reflect Fiji’s ongoing investment in youth rugby and gender-inclusive sport development.
Positive note
This development is a hopeful sign for the sport’s future in Fiji: more girls in rugby, stronger school programs, and greater visibility and pathways for talented young players.
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