There is a new twist to this year's Vodafone Deans Competition following a review of its Terms of Participation.
Under the revised rules, teams that qualify for the national eliminations, or quarter-finals, will be allowed to recruit up to six players from within their zone to strengthen their squads for the remainder of the competition.
Southern Zone Secondary Schools Rugby Union Association President Rusiate Wadali says the review of the 60-day rule is a milestone achievement, as it had previously been a major obstacle.
Insert: Wadali on change – 28th July 2026
He says the Southern Zone is now selecting its best Under-16 and Under-18 boys' and girls' teams to compete in the Nasoko Cup in Nadi after the Deans Competition.
Wadali says the initiative will help develop young players who can progress into the Fiji Rugby High Performance Unit.
He adds that the Southern Zone has consistently been a strong force in the Deans Competition, regularly producing the highest number of teams that reach the national finals.
Wadali also says coaches have been urged to raise their standards in preparing players, as any team can be eliminated during the knockout stages.
Looking at the Under-18 elimination matches, Lelean Memorial School will take on Marist Brothers High School, Suva Grammar School will face Ratu Luke Secondary School, Cuvu College will meet St John's College, Navatu Secondary School will play Ra High School, Ratu Kadavulevu School will face Ratu Sukuna Memorial School, Nasinu Secondary School will take on Holy Cross College, Ba Provincial Freebird Institute will meet Queen Victoria School, and Shri Guru Nanak Khalsa College will face Ratu Navula College.
All elimination matches will be played this Saturday.
