In a historic development for rugby in the Pacific region, the Solomon Islands Government, in collaboration with Oceania Rugby and the Solomon Islands Rugby Union Federation, has proudly announced that the 2024 Oceania Rugby 7s will take place in Honiara on December 7th and 8th.
This marks the first instance of the premier rugby tournament being held outside of Fiji, New Zealand, Australia, and Samoa, following the success of the 2023 Pacific Games hosted in Honiara.
The Solomon Islands Rugby Union, with backing from the national government, will oversee this prestigious event, highlighting the country’s growing recognition within the regional sports community.
The tournament is expected to attract top rugby talent from across the Pacific and other regions and will serve as a significant qualifying event for global competitions, allowing two men’s teams and one women’s team to secure spots in the World Rugby Sevens Challenger Series.
Prime Minister Hon. Jeremiah Manele expressed his pride in hosting such a significant international event, stating, “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. Solomon Islands is proud to be part of the Oceania family of countries, and I look forward to working closely with Oceania Rugby to strengthen and nurture this relationship.”
Oceania Rugby President Richard Sapias emphasized the significance of extending the tournament’s reach to new host nations like the Solomon Islands. He expressed gratitude to the Solomon Islands Government for their vision in bringing the Oceania Rugby 7s to Honiara, commending their commitment to advancing rugby and the sport’s potential for growth in the region.
Frank Puletua, Oceania Rugby General Manager, praised the Solomon Islands’ dedication to rugby. He remarked on the symbolic nature of hosting the tournament in a land with deep historical significance, highlighting the unifying power of sports in overcoming past conflicts.
George Temahua, President of the Solomon Islands Rugby Union Executive Board, shared his excitement regarding the tournament’s implications for the local rugby community. He stated, “Hosting the Oceania Rugby 7s is a dream come true for Solomon Islands Rugby. This event represents a remarkable opportunity for our players, fans, and the entire nation. We are eager to welcome the Pacific rugby family to Honiara and to demonstrate our capability to host such a significant event. We extend our sincere gratitude to the Solomon Islands Government for their unwavering support in promoting rugby in our country. This will undoubtedly inspire future generations of rugby talent in the Solomon Islands and solidify our position in the Pacific rugby landscape.”
The 2024 Oceania Rugby 7s, scheduled for December 7th and 8th, will gather teams from across the region, competing for a chance to qualify for the World Rugby Sevens Challenger Series. This tournament not only carries immense significance for Pacific rugby but also enhances the Solomon Islands’ presence on the global sporting stage.
Leave a comment