The Fiji Secondary Schools Rugby Interim Committee has clarified that, as part of the Vodafone Super Deans semi-final programme, selected matches will be played alongside the second Test between the Vodafone Fijiana XV and South Africa’s Springbok Women this Saturday at Churchill Park in Lautoka.
This gives Fiji’s emerging rugby talent a unique opportunity to perform on one of the country’s biggest rugby stages.
Interim Committee representative Biu Colati says the programme has been designed with the long-term development of school rugby at its heart.
He says their priority has always been to provide the best possible experience for student-athletes while continuing to strengthen the development pathway for school rugby.
Colati says the programme gives young players the rare opportunity to perform on the same stage as the national team, exposing them to the atmosphere and standards of international rugby while celebrating the very best of school rugby.
He adds that the experience will inspire many of these players as they continue their rugby journey.
Colati says they sincerely thank the Ministry of Education, the Fiji Rugby Football Union, participating schools, competition officials, sponsors, volunteers and supporters for working together to make the programme possible.
Looking at the semi-finals at Churchill Park in Lautoka, Ratu Navula College will face Ratu Kadavulevu School in the Under-14 grade, Ratu Navula College will meet Lelean Memorial School in the Under-19 division, Sigatoka Methodist College will play St Vincent College in the Weet-Bix Raluve Under-16 and Suva Grammar School will take on Ra High School in the Under-18 grade.
At 1pm on Saturday, the Vodafone Fijiana XV will take on the Springbok Women in the second Test of the series.
The remaining Vodafone Super Deans and Weet-Bix Raluve semi-final fixtures will be played at HFC Bank Stadium, Buckhurst Ground 1 and Bidesi Ground in Suva.
In the Super Deans semi-finals in Suva, Queen Victoria School will face MGM High School in the Under-14 grade.
In the Under-15 grade, Lelean Memorial School will meet Marist Brothers High School, while QVS will face Ratu Kadavulevu School.
In the Under-16 grade, Nasinu Secondary School will take on Suva Grammar School, while QVS will meet MGM High School.
In the Under-17 grade, Ba Methodist High School will play RKS, while QVS will face Suva Grammar School.
RKS will meet Navatu Secondary School in the Under-19 grade, while Lelean Memorial School will face Nasinu Secondary School in the Under-18 grade.
In the Weet-Bix Raluve semi-finals, Adi Cakobau School will face Nasinu Secondary School in the Under-16 grade.
In the Under-18 grade, MGM High School will meet ACS, while Sila Central High School will take on Lomary Secondary School.
