Vodafone Maritime Schools Sevens Kicks Off at Buckhurst Park

The Vodafone Maritime Schools Sevens competition launched today at Buckhurst Park, bringing together boys’ and girls’ teams from island schools across Fiji. Students traveled to the capital for the opportunity to compete in the fast-paced sevens rugby format, showcasing their skills on a bigger stage.

Jone Kainalagi, President of the Fiji Secondary Schools Rugby Union (FSSRU), highlighted the importance of the event for students from maritime schools, who often miss out on major competitions like the Vodafone Deans and Weet-Bix Raluve tournaments.

“This competition provides a platform for these talented young players to shine,” said Kainalagi. “Our goal is to ensure that students from maritime schools also get the chance to participate in competitive rugby, creating a pathway to Fiji’s national sevens programs in the future.”

The tournament is funded by Vodafone Fiji’s support to FSSRU, while participating schools have conducted their own fundraising efforts to cover additional expenses during their stay in Suva.

A total of 13 teams are competing across three divisions:

• Boys U16: Beqa Yanuca Secondary School, Vunisea Secondary School, Koro Island High School, Nakorotubu Secondary School
• Boys U18: Beqa Yanuca Secondary School, Vunisea Secondary School, Koro Island High School, Nakorotubu Secondary School
• Girls U18: Vunisea Secondary School, Koro Island High School

Notably, Nakorotubu Secondary School from Ra is the only team from Viti Levu taking part in the competition.