In a significant development for rugby in the Pacific region, the Solomon Islands Government, in collaboration with Oceania Rugby and the Solomon Islands Rugby Union Federation, has announced that Honiara will host the 2024 Oceania Rugby 7s on December 7th and 8th.
This marks the first occasion that this premier rugby tournament will take place outside of Fiji, New Zealand, Australia, and Samoa, following the successful 2023 Pacific Games held in Honiara.
The Solomon Islands Rugby Union, backed by the national government, is set to host this prestigious event, highlighting the country’s growing recognition in the regional sports community.
The tournament is expected to attract top rugby talent from across the Pacific and beyond, serving as a crucial qualification event for global competitions. It will offer two men’s teams and one women’s team the chance to secure spots in the World Rugby Sevens Challenger Series.
Solomon Islands Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele expressed pride in this development, emphasizing the importance of hosting such a major international event.
“The Solomon Islands Government is honored to partner with Oceania Rugby to host this event in Honiara in December 2024. We will do everything necessary to ensure its success and memorability. Solomon Islands is proud to be part of the Oceania family of countries, and I look forward to strengthening our relationship with Oceania Rugby,” stated Prime Minister Manele.
Oceania Rugby President Richard Sapias underscored the significance of expanding the tournament’s hosting capabilities to new nations like the Solomon Islands.
“We are deeply grateful to the Solomon Islands Government for their vision and commitment to bringing the Oceania Rugby 7s to Honiara. Their belief in the unifying power of sport and investment in rugby is indicative of their dedication to growing the game in Oceania. This partnership reflects exceptional leadership, and we are eager to see how this event inspires future generations of rugby players across the Pacific,” remarked Sapias.
Oceania Rugby General Manager Frank Puletua also praised the Solomon Islands’ dedication to rugby and sports excellence.
“Bringing teams to the Solomon Islands, a land with profound historical significance, is really special. This is a place where many nations once encountered conflict, but now, through the power of sport, we unite. Hosting the Oceania Rugby 7s here not only celebrates rugby but also reconnects the game with its roots in the Pacific islands. It’s an opportunity to honor our shared history while showcasing our region’s strength through rugby sevens,” said Puletua.
Honorable George Temahua, President of the Solomon Islands Rugby Union Executive Board, expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming tournament, emphasizing its significance for the local rugby community.
“Hosting the Oceania Rugby 7s is a dream come true for Solomon Islands Rugby. This tournament represents a proud moment for our nation and a major opportunity for our players, supporters, and the entire country. We are prepared to welcome the Pacific rugby family to Honiara and demonstrate our capability to host such an esteemed event. We sincerely thank the Solomon Islands Government for their unwavering support for rugby development in our nation. This will inspire a new generation of rugby talent in the Solomon Islands and solidify our position in the Pacific rugby landscape,” said Temahua.
The 2024 Oceania Rugby 7s on December 7th and 8th will feature teams from across the region competing for qualification to the World Rugby Sevens Challenger Series, allowing two men’s teams and one women’s team to compete at a global level, further elevating the importance of Pacific rugby and the Solomon Islands on the international sporting scene.
Leave a comment