The FMF Suva Rugby Union is currently navigating challenges related to the availability of playing fields for its competitions, particularly as the Koroturaga competition progresses into the semi-final stages while the Escott Shield competition approaches its final.
According to SRU secretary Nemani Tuifagalele, this marks the first occasion that the Escott Shield competition has reached its final before the Koroturaga matches. The scheduling challenges stem from the limited number of grounds, forcing the union to prioritize games based on available venues.
“We have been scheduling more Escott games than Koroturaga due to the provided grounds,” Tuifagalele stated. He also emphasized the need for a coordinated strategy among sports organizations to resolve the issues related to ground availability and scheduling conflicts moving forward.
“At the next Annual General Meeting (AGM), we will likely propose that the planning for the upcoming year is sequenced appropriately,” he noted. Furthermore, Tuifagalele mentioned that the Escott Shield final is tentatively set for October 19, pending confirmation from the Police team.
“We are awaiting a response from the Police on a request from Navy to reschedule the Escott final for October 19. Once we have their approval, we will finalize that date,” he explained.
In the meantime, the remaining quarter-final will feature Savusa competing against Eastern Saints at 10 am, followed by the first semi-final where Covenant Red will take on Marist OB at 11:30 am. Both matches are scheduled to be held at Buckhurst Park in Suva.