Fiji Rugby launches 2026 Raluve Competition with renewed focus on girls’ rugby pathway

The Fiji Rugby Union has officially launched the 2026 Weet-Bix Raluve Competition, reaffirming its commitment to developing girls’ rugby at the secondary school level and strengthening the pathway to elite national representation.

 

The launch was held at the Suva Grammar School in Nasese and brought together officials from the Ministry of Education, Fiji Secondary Schools Rugby Union, sponsors CJ Patel/Sanitarium, teachers, parents, coaches, students, and aspiring young female rugby players from across the country.

 

FRU Chief Executive Officer Koli Sewabu described the Raluve Competition as the “cornerstone of girls’ rugby at secondary school level in Fiji,” emphasizing that the tournament is now central to Fiji Rugby’s long-term development strategy.

 

“This is where champions begin. This is where dreams take their first run, and this is where the future of Fijian women’s rugby is shaped — school by school, player by player,” Mr Sewabu said.

 

Mr Sewabu also highlighted that the competition is more than just a battle for trophies and school pride. He said it is an example of a crucial pathway for young women to earn opportunities with national teams including the Fijiana Drua, Fiji Airways Fijiana Sevens, and Vodafone Fijiana 15s.

 

“Women’s rugby today is no longer just a passion — it is now a profession. Rugby has become a career that can lift you, your family, and your community,” he said.

 

He also encouraged students to see rugby as a gateway to wider opportunities in sports medicine, strength and conditioning, refereeing, and performance analysis, while urging players to uphold the values of discipline, respect, integrity, passion, and solidarity both on and off the field.

 

Speaking at the launch, CJ Patel and Sanitarium, Marketing Manager Monisha Prasad said the company was proud to continue supporting grassroots rugby in Fiji for a fourth consecutive year.

 

“Rugby is more than just a sport in Fiji. It teaches teamwork, resilience, discipline, and leadership. It gives young athletes a chance to dream and discover how far their dedication can take them,” Ms Prasad said.

 

Ms Prasad noted that Sanitarium’s support of the Raluve Competition aligns with its commitment to promoting healthy lifestyles and empowering young women through sport. She also highlighted the recent launch of Weet-Bix’s Fiji packaging, which now proudly features the Raluve tournament in recognition of the growing importance of girls’ rugby in the country.

 

Both speakers praised the courage and determination of the participating students and acknowledged the vital role played by teachers, coaches, and parents in nurturing the next generation of athletes.

 

As the 2026 Weet-Bix Raluve Competition begins, Fiji Rugby says it hopes the tournament will continue to inspire young women across the nation and produce future stars for the Fijiana programme.

 

“Somewhere in this competition is the future Fijiana star,” Mr Sewabu said. “Maybe it’s the one sitting next to you — or maybe, just maybe, it’s you.”