“This partnership is a vital step in achieving our vision of building a sustainable development pathway for young athletes in Fiji. By collaborating with the FRU, we are ensuring that we provide the right platform for our U20 athletes to showcase their talent, refine their skills, and prepare for future international competitions, including the next Olympic Games.”

Fiji Sports Council Executive Chairman Gilbert Vakalalabure

Suva, Fiji—The Fiji Sports Council (FSC) and the Fiji Rugby Union (FRU) are pleased to announce their new partnership for the forthcoming FSC U20 7s Rugby Tournament. The Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the two organisations was signed this morning in the Fiji Sports Council Boardroom. This partnership represents a significant milestone in advancing grassroots rugby development in Fiji, with a strong emphasis on preparing young talent for the next Olympic Games.

The FSC U20 7s Rugby Tournament is set to be a pioneering event, designed to nurture and develop Fiji’s next generation of rugby stars. This initiative will include male and female divisions for U20 athletes, with competitions to be held across five key venues throughout Fiji. The tournament aims not only to showcase young talent but also to foster community engagement and national pride by bringing high-calibre rugby to various regions of the country.

The tournament venues and dates are as follows:

Thompson Park, Navua – 1st & 2nd November 2024
Lawaqa Park, Sigatoka – 8th & 9th November 2024
Ganilau Park, Savusavu – 15th & 16th November 2024
Nayabarau Park, Rakiraki – 22nd & 23rd November 2024
HFC Bank Stadium, Suva – 29th & 30th November 2024

Through this partnership, FSC and FRU will work together to ensure the success of the tournament by providing the necessary infrastructure, expertise, and community support to young athletes. FSC will manage the venues and strategic planning, while FRU will contribute its rugby expertise and technical guidance to create a high-quality competition experience for both male and female U20 players.

Speaking at the MOA signing, Gilbert Vakalalabure, Executive Chairman of the Fiji Sports Council, said: “This partnership is a vital step in achieving our vision of building a sustainable development pathway for young athletes in Fiji. By collaborating with the FRU, we are ensuring that we provide the right platform for our U20 athletes to showcase their talent, refine their skills, and prepare for future international competitions, including the next Olympic Games.”

The FSC U20 7s Rugby Tournament also aims to highlight gender equality in sports, with dedicated male and female divisions designed to provide equal opportunities for both genders to excel. This tournament is not only about developing elite athletes but also about strengthening community bonds, promoting inclusivity, and fostering national pride.

-ENDS-