Deans U18 semi-final spots open as Nasinu ousts QVS; Colati says era of new champions has begun
Fiji Secondary Schools Rugby Union vice-president Biu Colati described last week’s Vodafone Deans national under-18 quarter-finals as “very interesting,” signalling a tougher competition and the rise of a new champion in the age group. Colati noted that Queen Victoria School’s exit came after their 20-20 draw with Nasinu Secondary, a result Nasinu were declared the winner of under the tie-break rules, leaving Nasinu to push for the title.
Colati pointed out that with the reigning titleholder out of the picture, the title is now truly up for grabs. Nasinu, who also appeared in last year’s semi-finals and beat Cuvu College 33-20, heads into this year’s semi-finals as the sole side to have reached the knockout stage before. They will meet Natabua High School in the second U18 semi-final on Saturday.
Colati described the four U18 semi-finalists—Nasinu, Natabua, Suva Grammar School (SGS), and Ratu Kadavulevu School (RKS)—as “very good teams” with distinctive strengths in their play styles and execution. “They’ve got big strengths in their way of playing and the way they execute rugby. These four teams are really unique in the way they play, and they will provide a good match-up when it comes to the semi-finals this week,” he said.
The U18 semi-finals are scheduled for today at HFC Bank Stadium: 3:30pm – Nasinu Secondary vs Natabua High School, and 5:00pm – SGS vs RKS. The Deans semi-finals will begin at 8:30am, with the U14 grade starting at Buckhurst Park. One semi-final in the U15 and U19 grades will be played at Bidesi Park, featuring RKS vs SGS in the U15 and Nasinu vs QVS in the U19. The Raluve U16 and U18 fixtures will be held at the main ground and Buckhurst Park, respectively.
This week’s matches underscore Fiji’s developing school rugby pathways and hint at a potentially historic title run for Nasinu, who are seeking to translate their quarter-final momentum into a national crown.
For readers, the weekend promises high-stakes rugby with four U18 teams chasing the Deans Trophy, along with exciting action across the other age groups at multiple venues.
Fijian summary
Na Deans U18 e rua na semifa ni soqo ena HFC Bank Stadium kei Suva. O Nasinu Secondary kei Natabua na vakacuruma na qito, sega ni kerea na QVS me tailewai talega. O Colati, na wili ni veitokoni ena NSRS, a tukuna ni “sa levu na leqa ni qito” ka na taleitaka na kilai ni dua na veitalanoa vou. E vola vei koto na veiyasai mataua ni 4 na timi ni U18—Nasinu, Natabua, SGS kei RKS—ka nodra na vakalewena na vuli kei na nodra qaqa ena semifa. Na semifa U18 ena rawa ni caka ena na 3:30pm (Nasinu vs Natabua) kei 5:00pm (SGS vs RKS). E tauyavutaki talega na veisiga ni veikacivi ena Buckhurst Park, Bidesi Park, kei na veitalanoa ni Raluve. Na tikina qo e vakaraitaka kina na vuli ni vuravura kei na saumi ni talent ki na nodra mai rawata na qito ni Deans.
Notes for editors and readers:
– The weekend’s results highlight the importance of mentorship and development pathways for Fiji’s school rugby, with former players and coaches increasingly contributing to the growth of young talent.
– Possible follow-up angles: standout players to watch from the four U18 semi-finalists, impact of last year’s semi-finalists on this year’s run, and how Nasinu’s quarter-final win is shaping expectations for the final.
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