The Fiji National Rugby League (FNRL) has confirmed the Vodafone Cup club competition will return in early May, kicking off immediately after the Fiji Secondary Schools tournament finishes in the first week of that month, chairman Rajesh Singh said on Friday. Singh also revealed a planned expansion that could see as many as 20 clubs competing as the governing body seeks to stabilise and strengthen domestic rugby league.
“Once this competition finishes on the first week of May, then we’ll kick off our Vodafone Cup club competition,” Singh said, adding that fixtures have been drawn up and the playing grounds have been booked. “Everything has been mapped out, everything is in order, the ground has been booked and everything.”
A notable feature of the restart is the influx of new club applications from outside traditional rugby league centres. Singh said five clubs from Serua and the Flagstaff area of Suva have formally applied to join the FNRL, reflecting growing grassroots interest in the sport. Two of those clubs have already been approved by email, with the remaining applications to be considered at an upcoming FNRL board meeting.
“The clubs will be informed because the board has to make the decision,” Singh said, stressing that outstanding administrative questions over club participation are being resolved ahead of the season. He told reporters he was optimistic the board would clear the remaining applications soon, which would feed into the expanded competition structure.
Singh framed the expansion as part of a deliberate strategy to deepen competition and raise standards nationwide. “In the article of association, we’ve got five clubs who have shown interest. They’ve put their application in to join FNRL,” he said. “Once we get the numbers … likely it’s 20 clubs,” he added, signalling a broadening of the club base beyond established urban centres.
Officials say the return of the Vodafone Cup and the widening of the club pool are intended to address recent administrative challenges that have affected the domestic game. By firming up calendars, confirming venues and bringing new communities into the FNRL fold, the governing body aims to re-establish a reliable competition pathway for players, coaches and officials.
With fixtures already being prepared and approvals underway, Fiji’s rugby league administrators expect the upcoming season to mark a significant step forward for grassroots development. Singh said there is “no doubt” the club competition will start as planned, as the FNRL moves to translate renewed interest into competitive opportunities across the country.
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