The start of the 2025 Vodafone Deans and Weet-Bix Raluve rugby competitions is facing a significant setback. Just hours after the Fiji Rugby Union confirmed the commencement of the season this Saturday, a decision from the Minister of Education, Aseri Radrodro, has called for a halt to all school rugby activities. According to sources, Radrodro sent an official letter to Divisional Education Officers stating that “there will be no rugby until further notice.”
The Minister’s intervention appears to be prompted by concerns regarding the management and structure of the rugby competitions. An urgent meeting is scheduled to take place today to further discuss the implications of this suspension, which has already caused confusion among schools and teams that were preparing for the matches.
This unexpected move has led to concerns about the impact it may have on students, many of whom have trained diligently for the upcoming competitions. Stakeholders are hoping for clarity following today’s discussions, which could provide insights into the future of school rugby in Fiji.
Reflecting on past discussions, the Ministry of Education has previously emphasized the importance of safety and proper governance in schools’ sporting events. Previous efforts have been made to improve the transparency and organization within school rugby, highlighted by the establishment of interim committees designed to oversee governance issues.
Despite the current uncertainty, there is hope that a resolution will foster a safer and better-structured environment for all participants, allowing young athletes to pursue their passions in rugby. The community remains optimistic for the rugby season, looking forward to the opportunity for students to showcase their talents in a supportive and structured setting in the future.
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