A new weekly rugby showdown promising high-intensity clashes and packed crowds is set to ignite the Ba rugby scene, with the return of the Vanua ko Ba Challenge Series after years away from local competition.
The Ba Rugby Union has confirmed that Ba Industries Limited will sponsor the new challenge series, which will be contested among teams competing in the BRU’s premier club competition, the Vinod Patel Cup.
BRU Secretary Gaby Kautoga says the launch is a major moment for Ba rugby, saying the revived series will feature seven weekly challenges played as the headline fixtures during Saturday pool matches.
Prize money for each challenge has been set at $500 for the winners, $250 for the runners-up and $50 for the best player, with a total of $800 awarded each week across the seven rounds.
He confirms that the actual Ba Industries Cup used during the 2025 Tikina Championships will serve as the trophy for the series.
Meanwhile, Nailaga opened the competition with a victory over Bukuya last week and will now defend the challenge against Sasa today.
Kautoga says the weekly “final-style” matches are expected to generate strong interest among supporters, with clubs expected to give everything in pursuit of the title.
He also acknowledged the support of Ba Industries Limited, saying the competition would not have been possible without sponsorship backing.
Meanwhile, Ba Industries Limited General Manager Sanjay Badgujar says the company is proud to continue supporting Ba Rugby and the wider rugby community.
Badgujar says this marks the fourth consecutive year of Ba Industries serving as a major sponsor of Ba Rugby.
He says the company has also been supporting provincial teams through the provision of custom-built scrum sleds and assistance in several other areas.
