THE vast geography of Fiji’s northern division continues to be the biggest obstacle facing the Fiji Secondary Schools Rugby Union (FSSRU) Northern Zone as it stages the Vodafone Deans and Weet-Bix Raluve competitions.
Northern none president Rupeni Vulaca said organising a competition across Vanua Levu and Taveuni came with unique logistical and financial demands that were not experienced by other zones.
“Finance is usually one of the biggest setbacks for us, especially because of our geographical location,” Vulaca said.
With schools separated by long road journeys and sea crossings, transporting teams, officials and competition personnel remains one of the zone’s biggest annual challenges.
Vulaca said the continued support of sponsors Vodafone Fiji and Weet-Bix had eased much of that burden this season.
“We are very thankful to our sponsors, Vodafone and Weet-Bix. I believe this is the first time our sponsors have provided funding that has enabled us to sustain our competition every week until this stage,” he said.
“They will also assist us during the elimination rounds and right through to the national finals.”
Despite the logistical hurdles, the Northern Zone has successfully completed its weekly competition and is now preparing for the knockout stages.
Vulaca also acknowledged the Fiji Rugby Union, the Ministry of Education and the Fiji Secondary Schools Rugby Union for their commitment to player welfare and grassroots development.
He said coaching accreditation programmes delivered by Fiji Rugby and World Rugby had helped improve the quality of rugby throughout the division.
“The accreditation of coaches has contributed a lot to the level of rugby. It has significantly improved the performance of our students on the field,” Vulaca said.
He encouraged supporters from Macuata, Bua, Cakaudrove and Taveuni to continue backing their schools during the elimination rounds, describing the Deans and Raluve competitions as a vital pathway for the next generation of provincial and national rugby players.
