The 2026 Rooster Chicken Shield will kick off in Ba this Saturday, with girls’ age-grade rugby included alongside the women’s competition as part of Ba Rugby Union’s grassroots development programme.
The new Girls Under-16 and Under-18 categories create a pathway to the NewWorld IGA Ba women’s team, who are playing in the top tier Marama Championship for the first time this season after winning the Ranadi Cup last year.
Rooster Poultry CEO Stanley Raniga noted how women’s rugby in Ba has grown significantly since the start of the Rooster Chicken Shield in 2023.
He says Rooster Chicken has been a consistent supporter of women’s rugby, from grassroots through to the Fijiana Drua and the national Fijiana team.
He says they have been part of the resurgence of women’s rugby in Ba from the outset, and that early support at grassroots club level has contributed to Ba’s success in last year’s Ranadi Cup and the team’s qualification for the Marama Championship.
Raniga added that through the Under-16 and Under-18 competitions, they are helping build clear pathways for young girls, both on and off the field.
The Women’s Championship continues to showcase the strength, resilience and leadership of women in rugby.
Ba Rugby Union Secretary Gaby Kautoga supported Mr Raniga’s comments, saying women’s rugby in Ba has improved greatly since Rooster’s involvement.
He says he is aware that the Raluve competition for secondary schools starts in the second term, and they have timed the 2026 Rooster Chicken Shield to finish before then to ensure there is no clash.
The NewWorld IGA Ba women’s team for the 2026 Marama Championship will be selected from this tournament, while BRU will also look for young players to develop.
The sponsorship from Rooster Poultry is for a further three years, demonstrating the company’s continued grassroots support for women’s rugby.
