After a lapse of nearly 30 years, the Jone Tabuya Shield will be contested once more in the final of the Vodafone Deans Southern Zone Secondary Schools Rugby Union this weekend.
The winning prize was once handed to the winner of the under-19 division, however this year, it has been brought back for contention in the under-18 grade.
Marist Brothers High School and Suva Grammar School will go head-to-head this Saturday for the coveted prize.
Southern Zone Secondary Schools Rugby Union president Rusiate Wadali said the winning prize will add to the prizemoney already in store for the winners.
He revealed the news of its return at the launch of the Southern Zone Deans finals, which took place at the Vodafone Triangle in Suva yesterday.
Besides this, he added the winner of the shield would receive $1,000 in addition to the $1,000 already earned from winning the final itself.
The runner-up will receive $500 and an additional $500 from the money already earned.
Meanwhile, also present at the launch was Vodafone Fiji’s Sponsorship Manager, Adriu Vakarau, who acknowledged the 86-year-long history of the Deans Championship and how the telecommunications company supported it in its broader vision for the future of rugby.
“It is well known that Fiji is a nation incredibly passionate about rugby. With Vodafone’s support, we are doing more than just backing a game, we are investing in the future, helping to develop the next Fijian rugby star who will undoubtedly bring pride to our nation,” Vakarau said.
