FOR the first time in the history of the Vodafone Deans competition, Vanua Levu will become the centre of Fiji secondary schools rugby this Saturday, hosting six crucial qualifying matches as the Fiji Rugby Union (FRU) steps up efforts to grow the game beyond its traditional strongholds.
All six matches will be hosted at the Ganilau Park in Savusavu.
FRU acting chief operations officer Talemo Waqa said the move was aimed at ensuring every region shared in the excitement of the country’s premier secondary schools rugby competition.
“We want to encourage movement for development purposes and share the game with all the zones,” Waqa said.
“Sometimes when we overdo it in one area, whether it’s Lautoka or Suva, only the spectators and stakeholders in those areas get to watch the games.”
He said taking the competition to Vanua Levu would allow the communities to experience high-quality schools rugby on their doorstep.
“Now Vanua Levu is bracing itself. They’re getting excited for this week’s games,” he said.
The FRU has also appointed some of Fiji’s most experienced match officials to oversee the fixtures.
Local referee David Vosalevu, who recently returned from officiating at the World Rugby Under-20 Championship, will referee one of the first under-18 playoff game, while fellow senior referee Rasta Rasivhenge will control the second U18 playoff match.
They will be assisted by referee manager James Bolabiu.
Waqa said sending the country’s leading referees to Vanua Levu was another step towards raising the standard and profile of the competition in the North.
“We have confirmed that the top referees will be there,” he said.
“We want to compile that and profile it so you’ll be building the profile of the competition in the North.”
The six matches will mark another milestone in the FRU’s effort to spread the Deans competition beyond its traditional centres, giving Northern schools and supporters the opportunity to host and witness some of the country’s best young rugby talent.
Fixtures at Ganilau Park this Saturday August 01, 2026.
Game 1. 8.30 am – 9.40 am (U15 Third place playoffs) Holy Cross College (N1) v Nasinu Secondary School (S3) – Referee: Seru Tadulala
Game 2. 9.45 am – 11.45 am (U16 Third place playoffs) Saint Bedes College (N1) v Lelean Memorial School (E3) – Referee: Joji C
Game 3. 11.10 am – 12.30 pm (U17 Third place playoff) Batinikama College (N1) v Marist Brothers High School (S3)
Game 4. 12.35 pm – 1.55 pm (U19 Third place playoffs) Navatu Secondary School (N1) v Queen Victoria School (E3)
Game 5. 2 pm – 3.20 pm (U18 Eliminations) Shiri Guru Nanak Khalsa College (N2) v Ratu Navula College (W3)
Game 6. 3:25 pm – 4.45 pm (U18 Eliminations) Navatu Secondary School (N1) v Ra High School (W4)
Admission
1. Grandstand – $15
2. Ground – $10
3. Students with uniform – $7
4. Primary School Students and kids – $3
