Drua Remote Community Challenge concludes with 16 Central Division teams at Ratu Cakobau Park
Around 16 school teams from the Central Division gathered on the final day of the Drua Remote Community Challenge at Ratu Cakobau Park in Nausori, bringing together secondary schools from the interior regions of Namosi, Naitasiri, and Tailevu. The event showcased both talent and community spirit as competition wrapped up on the park’s grounds.
Drua Foundation Program Manager Deanne Lees praised the high level of participation and passion on display, underscoring the program’s aim to reconnect with rural communities through rugby and to foster development both on and off the field. She also noted that families and local supporters turned out in strong numbers, helping to create a vibrant, supportive atmosphere for the young players.
Beyond the on-field action, the foundation ran educational workshops for fans and spectators, covering topics such as banking, education, and rugby, adding an informative dimension to the weekend’s festivities.
Context and impact: The Nausori event sits within the Drua Foundation’s broader drive to expand rugby access in Fiji’s rural areas. It follows a prior remote community event in Ba, which drew nine schools and highlighted ambitions to grow the program to 15 teams next year. The initiative consistently emphasizes giving rural schools opportunities for organized rugby experiences they might not otherwise receive.
Broader partnerships and future direction: The Drua Foundation’s broader development work is complemented by international collaboration, including New Zealand government-supported programs aimed at health, education, and rugby development in remote communities. A four-day training initiative in Naitasiri is scheduled for August, focusing on coaching and officiating with an emphasis on increasing women’s participation, and will culminate in a Rugby 7s tournament featuring U14 boys and U16 girls from Serua, Naitasiri, and Namosi. This effort is funded through the Pacific Sports for Development Fund, with NZ support enabling attendees to access globally recognized courses such as World Rugby Level 1 First Aid, Introduction to Coaching, and Strength and Conditioning for Children.
Overall, the Drua Foundation’s work continues to position rugby as a catalyst for youth development, education, and community cohesion in Fiji’s rural areas. The Nausori event reinforces a hopeful trajectory for greater participation, continued investment in local talent, and the ongoing expansion of opportunities for Fiji’s young players.
Summary: The Drua Remote Community Challenge in Nausori capped a weekend of rugby that united rural schools, connected families with grassroots sport, and highlighted broader efforts to grow rugby, education, and health in Fiji’s remote communities.
Possible editors’ note: The event sits within a broader ecosystem of ongoing and upcoming Drua-led programs and NZ-supported development initiatives aimed at expanding access and opportunities for rural youth, including planned training and a regional U14/U16 tournament later this year.
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