Fiji Rugby Launches 2025 Vodafone Deans and Weet-Bix Raluve Competitions, Strengthening Grassroots Pathways

July 4, 2025

Suva, Friday 4 July 2025 – The Fiji Rakavi Football Union, in collaboration with the Fiji Secondary Schools Rugby Union (FSSRU), officially launched the 2025 season of the Vodafone Deans and Weet-Bix Raluve school rugby competitions in a vibrant ceremony hosted at Gospel High School.

Attended by school officials, students, partners, and media, the event celebrated the enduring legacy of grassroots rugby in Fiji and reaffirmed its importance as a critical development pathway for future national and international players.

“Train up a child in the way he should go…”

Opening the ceremony, FRU General Manager Operations and Development, Sale Sorovaki, anchored his remarks on Proverbs 22:6, a fitting verse for the occasion. He spoke about the powerful role school rugby plays in shaping the next generation — not just of players, but of disciplined, resilient, and community-minded individuals.

“At the heart of these competitions is our future — young boys and girls whose passion for rugby fuels our national pride and strengthens our communities.”

Sorovaki acknowledged the unwavering support of Vodafone Fiji, who have sponsored the Deans competition since 2019, and Sanitarium’s Weet-Bix, partners of the Raluve girls’ competition since its inception in 2022.

Impressive Participation and Powerful Pathways

The 2024 season data reveal the growing strength of school rugby in Fiji, with:

  • 12,504 boys participating in the Vodafone Deans competition
  • 4,758 girls in the Weet-Bix Raluve competition

These figures exclude zone-level participation, indicating an even deeper reach across communities nationwide.

The Deans and Raluve tournaments continue to serve as key pipelines into national programs:

  • 100% of male players in Fiji’s national HPU academy came through the Deans.
  • 9 of the 30 players in the Women’s High-Performance Unit were scouted from the 2023 Raluve competition.
  • Adi Salote Nailolo, a standout from last year’s Raluve, made her Test debut for the Fijiana 15s this year and is now part of the Rugby World Cup campaign.

“Her story is living proof that the Raluve pathway works — and works fast,” Sorovaki said.

Sponsors Reaffirm Commitment to Youth and Equity in Sport

Eddie Chee Group GM Sales and customer development for CJ Patel reinforced their passion for growing women’s rugby.

“Supporting our young women in rugby is not just about fostering athletic talent; it is about empowering them to achieve their dreams and inspire their communities,” their representative said.

Vodafone Fiji’s Regional Chief Marketing Officer, Rajnesh Prasad, reminded young athletes and parents alike that rugby is more than just a sport — it’s a career path and a character-building journey.

“We are not just putting our name on a sponsorship; we are investing in the future of rugby.”

He urged parents to continue encouraging their children’s passions and highlighted Vodafone’s long-term commitment to rugby development in Fiji.

Looking Ahead

The official launch set a strong tone for the 2025 season. With greater numbers, growing interest in the girls’ competition, and deepening investment from corporate partners, both the Vodafone Deans and Weet-Bix Raluve tournaments are poised for another impactful year.

Fiji Rugby extends its gratitude to all schools, teachers, coaches, volunteers, and families who continue to support and shape the dreams of our young athletes.

“To the players — your courage and dreams inspire us all. We are here to walk with you, every step of the way,” Sorovaki said in closing.

Vinaka vakalevu to our sponsors, partners, and rugby-loving communities across Fiji. Here’s to a memorable and meaningful 2025 season!