In a significant moment 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 the 2024 Oceania Rugby 7s will take place in Honiara on December 7th and 8th.
This marks the first occasion that the region’s top rugby tournament will be held outside of Fiji, New Zealand, Australia, and Samoa, and it comes on the heels of the notably successful 2023 Pacific Games hosted in Honiara.
The Solomon Islands Rugby Union, backed by the national government, will oversee the prestigious tournament, which underscores the increasing recognition of the Solomon Islands’ growing influence in the regional sports community.
The event will attract elite rugby players from across the Pacific and beyond, serving as a vital qualification opportunity for global tournaments. Two men’s teams and one women’s team will earn spots in the World Rugby Sevens Challenger Series.
Prime Minister of the Solomon Islands, Hon. Jeremiah Manele, expressed his pride in the announcement, emphasizing the importance of hosting such a major international event. “The Solomon Islands Government is deeply humbled to partner with Oceania Rugby to host this event here in Honiara in December 2024. The Government will do everything possible to ensure a successful and memorable occasion. The Solomon Islands takes pride in being part of the Oceania family, and I look forward to nurturing and strengthening our relationship with Oceania Rugby,” said Prime Minister Manele.
Oceania Rugby President Richard Sapias underscored the significance of expanding the tournament’s hosting locations to include the Solomon Islands. “We are immensely grateful to the Solomon Islands Government for their foresight in bringing the Oceania Rugby 7s to Honiara. Their commitment to investing in rugby reflects their dedication to advancing the sport throughout the Oceania region. This partnership demonstrates true leadership, and we are eager to see how this event inspires future generations of rugby players across the Pacific,” stated Sapias.
Oceania Rugby General Manager, Frank Puletua, commended the Solomon Islands’ dedication to rugby and athletic excellence. “Hosting all these teams in the Solomon Islands, a region with profound historical significance, is truly special. This land, once a meeting place for conflict, now unites us through the power of sport. The Oceania Rugby 7s is about celebrating rugby and also about honoring our shared history while showcasing the strength of our region through rugby 7s—a sport that brings us together,” said Puletua.
Honorable George Temahua, President of the Solomon Islands Rugby Union Executive Board, expressed enthusiasm for the forthcoming tournament and its implications for the local rugby community. “Hosting the Oceania Rugby 7s is a dream come true for Solomon Islands Rugby. It’s a significant moment for our nation, offering an incredible opportunity for our players, fans, and the entire country. We are ready to welcome the Pacific rugby family to Honiara and demonstrate our capability to host such an esteemed event. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Solomon Islands Government for their steadfast support in nurturing rugby in our nation. We believe this will inspire a new generation of rugby talent and solidify our place in the Pacific rugby landscape,” remarked Hon. George Temahua.
The 2024 Oceania Rugby 7s, scheduled for December 7th and 8th, will feature teams from across the region competing for a chance to qualify for the World Rugby Sevens Challenger Series, positioning the Solomon Islands prominently on the international rugby stage.
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