The Vodafone Deans Trophy Under-18 semifinals scene is shaping up as former national reps again lend their experience to Fiji’s school teams, with Nasinu Secondary School leading the charge as the campaign moves into the national knockout stage.
Nasinu’s U18 side has been one of the standout stories of the season, after stunning defending champions Queen Victoria School at Churchill Park in Lautoka. Having finished third in the Southern Zone, Nasinu flipped the script this past weekend, delivering a brand of rugby that drew praise from coaches and pundits alike. A big part of their progress has been the hands-on guidance of former national sevens star Nacanieli Saumi, who has been helping Nasinu throughout the season.
Saumi’s rugby pedigree runs deep: he previously served as the Director of Rugby at RKS when they swept all titles in 2017. The influence isn’t limited to Nasinu; former Fiji 7s halfback Saiasi Fuli has supported Marist Brothers High School, while Esala Nauga, a former Flying Fijians center and Natabua High School coach, is in Natabua’s corner. Nauga is backed by Setefano Samoca, another former Flying Fijians prop, and Tiko Matawalu—who has worn the Flying Fijians jersey and now works with the Fiji Rugby Union as part of the operations team—said it’s encouraging to see ex-players give back to the sport. “One way or another they’re there for a reason and through some kind of relationship, for Natabua they have Esala Nauga who has been following this team right from U15, his son is there and that’s how he’s engaged with this team,” Matawalu noted. He also emphasized that it’s not just about past glory; if the opportunity arises, most former players stay involved and help the next generation.
With the knockout stage upon us, the 2025 Deans and Raluve semifinals are scheduled for this Saturday across HFC Bank Stadium in Suva, along with Buckhurst Park and Bidesi Park. Selected matches will be shown live on FBC Sports and FBC 2, and overseas viewers can watch via Vitiplus for 59 FJD.
All four U18 semi-finalists are widely anticipated to feature at least one or two marquee matchups, and previews suggest a Nasinu-Natabua clash could be on the cards, alongside a RKS versus Suva Grammar School pairing. The most recent look-ahead notes Natabua and Nasinu carrying strong momentum after solid runs to the final four, while RKS and SGS bring a wealth of experience and physicality from their forward packs and set-piece excellence.
What to watch
– Ex-players as coaches and mentors: their influence is shaping young players’ discipline, game understanding, and regional pathways.
– Nasinu’s resilience: how they back up their dramatic win over QVS and channel pressure into another deep playoff run.
– Natabua’s challenge: the western side’s discipline and intensity will be tested by Nasinu’s finishing and counterplay.
– The broader development story: the Deans program continues to showcase the depth of Fiji’s school rugby talent and the growing pathways for young players.
Summary
The Deans Trophy continues to highlight Fiji’s youth rugby development, with Nasinu’s resurgence under the guidance of former national reps and a strong slate of semifinals looming in Suva. The weekend promises high-intensity, well-coached rugby as four schools chase national glory, while also underscoring the enduring impact of alumni giving back to the game.
Positive note
The involvement of former internationals across the Deans scene bodes well for the sport’s growth, offering young players mentorship, higher-level coaching and a clearer pathway to elite rugby in Fiji and beyond.
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