Excitement is growing in Honiara, the capital of the Solomon Islands, as it prepares to host the highly anticipated Oceania Rugby Sevens Championship. Following the successful 2023 Pacific Games and various regional events, Honiara is emerging as a vibrant hub for sports, culture, and tourism in the Pacific region.

The upcoming tournament is expected to attract more than 500 athletes, officials, delegates, and media, along with a considerable influx of visitors to the Solomon Islands. Teams from across Oceania will compete for a chance to qualify for the World Rugby Sevens Challenger Series, with two men’s teams and one women’s team securing spots to represent their region on the international stage.

Dagnal Dereveke, Chief Executive of Tourism Solomons, highlighted the event’s importance in promoting the Solomon Islands to a global audience and enhancing the tourism sector. He noted that hosting major events like the Pacific Games has proven the country’s capability to organize successful tournaments, which also encourages visitors to explore the islands beyond the sporting activities.

The tournament’s pool draws have been revealed, with the Fiji men’s sevens development team placed in Pool A alongside Tuvalu and Nauru. Pool B comprises the Australian development team, Vanuatu, American Samoa, and the Japan development team. In Pool C, teams include Samoa, the Cook Islands, Kiribati, and New Caledonia, while Pool D features Tonga, the Solomon Islands, Niue, and Tahiti.

In the women’s division, the Fiji development team is paired with the hosts, the Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu in Pool A. Pool B includes Samoa, American Samoa, and Vanuatu, whereas Pool C features Tonga, the Cook Islands, and Kiribati.

This event not only brings significant sporting excitement but also a wave of optimism for tourism in the Solomon Islands, showcasing the region’s hospitality and unique culture to a wider audience. As the tournament approaches, the spirit of camaraderie and competition will undoubtedly uplift the community and enhance the bonds among participating nations.