The Grassroots Fiji 7s series is set to take its rugby development message straight to the Northern Division next week, with internationally recognised ambassador Rasta Rasivhenge leading awareness visits across Cakaudrove, Bua, and Macuata.
The second leg will be known as the Agromarketing Grassroots Fiji 7s which will be hosted in Bua on January 23-24.
The Northern leg underscores a pivotal moment in the Fiji Sports Council’s ongoing efforts to bolster grassroots rugby and bring local competitions in line with national standards.
Rasivhenge will be joined by Fiji Sports Council CEO Gilbert Vakalalabure as they engage with players, team officials, and provincial stakeholders to outline the series vision and expectations.
A key focus will be the introduction of a revised tournament format, which now requires all teams to be registered with a recognised provincial unions and formally acknowledged by the Fiji Rugby Union (FRU). To ensure fairness and accountability, players will be restricted to representing only one team throughout the series.
“Grassroots rugby is where our talent is born. By engaging directly with communities and unions, we are ensuring everyone understands the pathway, the standards required, and the opportunities available through the Grassroots Fiji 7s,” Rasivhenge said.
The series has also expanded its off-field development program, making training compulsory for coaches, strength and conditioning officials, and team managers.
This initiative aims to raise standards in team management and governance at the grassroots level.
“All team managers from the last round know that they must appoint officials to attend this training. Attendance is compulsory,” said Vakalalabure.
“Upon completion, participants will be issued with the FRU Team Manager Certificate, which is valid for two years. This is about raising standards, improving governance at grassroots level and ensuring teams are properly managed both on and off the field.”
The Bua leg is expected to attract strong participation from Northern-based teams as the Grassroots Fiji 7s continues to gain momentum nationwide.
The series blends competitive rugby with education and long-term sustainability for the sport.
This tour underlines the tournament’s mission to nurture rugby talent from the community level upwards while ensuring proper structures and standards are in place. With Rasivhenge actively connecting with communities and key officials, the Grassroots Fiji 7s is proving to be more than just a competition, it’s a vital platform for rugby education and development across Fiji.
Rasta Rasivhenge. Picture: SUPPLIED
