Queen Victoria School (QVS) snatched a dramatic Deans Trophy victory from Ratu Kadavulevu School (RKS) in the 1997 national final, flipping a 11-10 deficit with eight minutes to play to win 13-11 at the National Stadium. The win capped QVS’s second straight Deans Trophy title and showcased the toughness of their forward pack, which established the platform for late backline opportunities.
QVS’s comeback was anchored by a physical forward effort and standout moments from the backline. Fullback Varayame Raitoko was the match’s hero, crossing for the opening try five minutes into the first half and later kicking a penalty on the stroke of fulltime to secure the victory for QVS. The other QVS try came from number eight Peceli Sovaki, while RKS answered with two penalties by fullback Asivorosi Tora in the first half. Tora also had opportunities to swing the score further, missing three penalties that could have altered the balance of the game.
RKS initially led 11-10 after halfback Seru Rabeni touched down, but QVS struck back in the final minutes to clinch the win. The Fiji rugby crowd witnessed a match defined by a bigger, taller QVS forward pack that pressed from the outset, delivering punishing drives and a dominating lineout led by lock Akuila Matanibukaca. Post-match, QVS coach Filimone Vatuvoka praised the defensive resilience and mental steadiness of his side, saying the plan was to score early and let the forwards set the tone. He also noted that with many players in the under-18 ranks likely to move on after the year, next season would bring new challenges for the squad.
Raitoko, who expressed his intention to push for a third year in the u-19 team, highlighted the school’s ambition and eligibility: at 18, he would still be available to play next year if selected and cleared through form seven. The match was described as a showcase of fundamentals, high fitness, and a development ethos that pointed to strong long-term programs under the Fiji Schools Rugby Union’s development officer, Sekaia Ratukonadi, with support from secretary Eroni Tabua.
This historic win for QVS not only reflected a single championship but also the enduring strength of a program that has long fed Fiji’s rugby pipeline. The Deans Trophy, regarded as a property of the Tailevu schools, has a storied legacy of nurturing talent and supporting sustained excellence in school rugby.
Connections to the modern era show how the Deans Trophy continues to shape Fiji rugby. In recent years, QVS has remained a dominant force, winning the Deans Trophy again in 2024 with a 27-13 victory over Nasinu Secondary School. That final featured early strikes from hooker Waisake Vakacere and Ratu Epeli Roseruvakula, a solid defensive performance, and recognition for Maleli Nauvasi as the best player of the final. The squad’s leadership, under head coach Josaia Waiwalu, emphasized possession and discipline, while former Flying Fijians forwards coach Senirusi Seruvakula played a pivotal technical role as the team’s coach. Waiwalu and Seruvakula highlighted the team’s unity and the belief that faith and hard work underpinned their success, with the squad drawing on a bond formed from diverse backgrounds and shared goals.
Captain Anare Tabakaucoro has continued to push for professional opportunities while staying close to family, signaling the pathway from school to higher levels of competition. The sustained success of QVS underlines a broader narrative: the Deans Trophy remains Fiji’s premier youth rugby competition, consistently producing players who go on to contribute at higher levels and reinforcing the competitive spirit between QVS and RKS that has animated Fiji’s school rugby for decades.
Key takeaways and context
– The 1997 final illustrated QVS’s ability to overturn a late deficit through forward dominance and a decisive finish by the backline.
– The Deans Trophy has a long history of shaping Fiji rugby, with QVS becoming one of its most successful programs and the trophy tied to the Tailevu region.
– Modern weeks confirm the continued prestige of the competition, with QVS collecting their 25th or more title in subsequent years and leveraging high-profile coaching talent to sustain success.
– The fixture between QVS and RKS remains a defining rivalry in Fiji school rugby, fueling local pride and the development of players who advance to higher levels.
Beyond the game-by-game results, the Deans Trophy story is one of community, perseverance, and a pathway from schoolboys to professional ambitions. The 1997 victory is a notable chapter in a larger, ongoing saga of resilience and rugby excellence in Fiji’s schools. If you’re looking for a hopeful angle, the continued dominance and professionalization of coaching at QVS through the 2020s suggest a healthy future for Fiji’s rugby talent pipeline, with young players inspired to carry the legacy of the Deans Trophy forward.
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