Jai Narayan College will make its debut in the Fiji Secondary Schools Vodafone Deans competition this weekend, entering the Under-17 grade for the first time in the school’s history. The move, confirmed by head coach Josua Moko as the 2026 Deans tournament was officially launched today, is being framed by the school as a broader development exercise aimed at preparing students on and off the field.
Moko said the decision to enter the Under-17 division represents an important step in building a pathway for young players. “Entering the Under-17 grade marks an important step in preparing players both on and off the field,” he said, describing the competition as a “valuable platform” for athletes to grow and potentially open doors for their future. He added that the school hopes the exposure will help pupils develop the skills and discipline needed to pursue higher honours in rugby.
“We have so many opportunities, and this is something that has been missing over the years for us to prepare our students holistically,” Moko said. He stressed the school’s commitment to supporting students’ ambitions, whether those goals are to represent Jai Narayan College, secure a contract overseas, or one day wear the national jersey. “This is an opportune time for them to develop their skills, and who knows, maybe in the future they can represent their school or even secure a contract overseas and represent their country.”
Moko also highlighted the role of school rugby in creating pathways for both boys and girls across Fiji, noting the importance of inclusive development programmes that reach beyond traditional male participation. While Jai Narayan College’s initial entry is in the Under-17 boys grade, Moko said the broader aim is to ensure rugby contributes to holistic student development across genders.
The 2026 Fiji Secondary Schools Vodafone Deans competition was officially launched today and will kick off this Saturday, giving Jai Narayan College just days to finalise preparations ahead of their first fixtures. The Deans series, which attracts secondary schools from across the country, is viewed by many institutions as an opportunity to test young talent and provide exposure to higher-level selectors and coaches.
For Jai Narayan College, the entry into Deans signals a strategic shift toward structured school-level rugby development after years without that pathway. Moko’s emphasis on long-term player development suggests the school intends to use the competition not simply for immediate results but as the foundation for a sustained programme that nurtures academic and athletic ambitions.
As the Deans competition gets under way, attention will now turn to how Jai Narayan’s debut side performs and whether the exposure and experience can quickly translate into growth for the school’s rugby programme. The next few weeks will be critical for Moko and his charges as they look to make the most of their maiden Deans campaign.