The venue for this year’s Vodafone Deans Rugby Championship final is yet to be confirmed, but the Fiji Secondary Schools Rugby Union (FSSRU) has assured stakeholders that discussions are ongoing with the Fiji Sports Council to secure a suitable location.
“We are currently talking with Fiji Sports Council for our Deans final venue, so it will be held in one of their top grounds,” confirmed FSSRU Vice President for Development, Biu Colati.
This follows a major logistical challenge that has forced the Union to split the national quarter-finals across two venues Prince Charles Park in Nadi and Churchill Park in Lautoka this Saturday, a first in the tournament’s history.
Traditionally, the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva hosts the Deans quarter-finals, but Colati explained that the unavailability of the venue this year led to an urgent need for alternate arrangements.
“We have two split venues because we need four grounds to have the quarter-finals. HFC Stadium is always our quarterfinal venue this is the first time we’ve faced this issue,” he said.
Nadi was the initial choice due to its capacity and facilities, but with only three fields available, it could not meet the full requirements. Churchill Park in Lautoka was then added to make up for the shortage, especially to ensure teams had warm-up grounds.
“In Suva, we used Suva Grammar and Sacred Heart College for warm-ups. In Nadi, we’re using two grounds at Prince Charles Park and its third ground for warm-up. In Lautoka, schools can use Churchill Park Ground Three and Natabua for warm-ups,” Colati said.
He stressed that despite the logistical and financial strain, the welfare of the 1,920 student-athletes and officials involved remains the Union’s top priority.
“Even though we know it’s going to be tough on some parents, we want to come up with arrangements. It’s a loss to us, but it’s important that all these games are played and not postponed.
“Sorry to all parents that it had to come to this.”
The FSSRU is currently in discussions with school principals from the Eastern and Southern zones to determine which age grades will play in each venue. A tentative draw is expected to be released today.
“This is the biggest quarterfinal in the country for all sports 48 teams, 24 matches, and thousands of supporters. We are considering accommodation needs, venue limits, and safety.”
To assist families, the FSSRU is exploring a shared ticketing system for parents who want to travel between venues.
“If the ticket is $10 and a parent pays at one venue, they can show their bracelet or stamp at the other and get a half-price ticket. That’s something we’re working on,” he explained.
“We also thank the Fiji Sports Council and the Ministry of Education for supporting what we’re doing.”
The semi-finals will take place at Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka next weekend, with Colati expressing appreciation to Nadroga for their ongoing hospitality.
