Fijivillage
NEWS SPORTS IN DEPTH
6 April, 2026, 3:41 pm
Central - 26°C Rain
6 April, 2026, 3:41 pm Central - 26°C Rain

Facing Australia will be a big exposure for the Solomon Usotasi rugby team

Facing Australia will be a big exposure for the Solomon Usotasi rugby team

By Mikaele Liga
10/01/2026

Preparations have been progressing well for the Usotasi Rugby 7s team from the Solomon Islands as they gear up for the McDonald’s Coral Coast Fiji 7s next week, where they will face Australia in their opening pool match.

Team Manager Carl Tengemoana says qualifying for the tournament is a blessing for the team, and playing a tier one nation like Australia in their first pool match is a huge honour that provides valuable exposure for the players.

He says this opportunity would not have been possible without the support of coach Randall Kamea, who opened his home to the team and has been instrumental in their preparations.

Tengemoana adds that Kamea’s experience playing sevens rugby for Fiji and professionally in France has been a major boost for the players.

The Manager says Kamea has brought unity, constructive game management, and a touch of Fijian flair to the team.

Tengemoana also thanked the Marist Rugby Club and its management, particularly Vili, for their sacrifice, time, and effort in helping the players prepare for the tournament.

He credits the Almighty Father for his guidance and provision in supporting the team and the players.

Tengemoana adds that the players are all doing well in terms of welfare, with no injury concerns at this stage.

The team management and players also met the Deputy High Commissioner and staff at the Solomon Islands High Commission in Suva for a brief meet-and-greet.

The Usotasi Rugby team will face Australia in their first pool match on the 15th of this month at Lawaqa Park.


FNRL
FEATURE NEWS
TC Vaianu can intensify to a Cat. 3 cyclone but will not make landfall - Met Office
The Fiji Meteorological Service says that Tropical Cyclone Vaianu is expected to intensify into a Category 3 system, but the centre will not directly ...
3 hours ago
LATEST NEWS
UniFiji graduation postponed
The University of Fiji graduation ceremony, which was scheduled to be held from this Friday to next Friday, has been postponed.University of Fiji ...
37 minutes ago

MSAF continue to monitor MV Fiji Princess grounding, no fuel leak detected
The Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji (MSAF) is continuing to monitor and respond to the grounding of the passenger vessel MV Fiji Princess at ...
1 hour ago

All FNU campuses to be closed tomorrow
All Fiji National University campuses are closed tomorrow following advisories from the Fiji Meteorological Service and the National Disaster ...
2 hours ago

Vuaki Villagers in Yasawa brace for strong winds and heavy rain as TC Vaianu intensifies to Cat. 2
The people of Yasawa are bracing themselves for heavy rain and strong winds, which they have been experiencing from last night into this ...
3 hours ago

Rakiraki and Sigatoka Towns open, no flood reports as weather remains cloudy
Rakiraki Town and Sigatoka Town are open for operations.This was confirmed to fijivillage News by the Rakiraki Police Station and Sigatoka Police ...
3 hours ago



Stay tuned for the latest news on our radio stations

CFL radio frequencies
IN DEPTH

Fiji Sports Council Saga: Minister ready to repay business class air fare for wife as concerns grow about Sports Council deals
I was invited to travel to New Zealand by the Fiji Sports Council for a grassroots 7s tournament in 2024, I travelled business class but it was ...
31 days ago

TOP