FIJI Rugby Union officially launched its 2026 domestic competition season yesterday, with board director Tevita Tuiloa describing the local game as the “heartbeat” of the sport’s future in the country.
The launch marked the start of four major national competitions, the Skipper Cup, Vodafone Vanua Championship, Subrails Marama Championship and the Royal Tea Ranadi Competition.
Speaking at the launch, Tuiloa said domestic rugby remained the foundation of Fiji’s success on the international stage, producing players for the Flying Fijians, Fijiana and Fijian Drua.
“These competitions are where dreams begin,” Tuiloa said.
“They are where young men and women from our villages, settlements and towns first wear the colours of their provinces with pride.”
Drawing from his own experience with the Suva Rugby Union, Tuiloa paid tribute to the often-unseen work of administrators, referees, volunteers and support staff.
“This is not a paid job for most. It is a labour of love,” he said.
Tuiloa also highlighted the rapid growth of women’s rugby, pointing to the recent performances of the Fijiana Drua as proof of the strength of the domestic pathway.
He said competitions such as the Marama Championship and Ranadi Competition had provided the platform for many players now excelling at elite level.
With Fiji now competing more regularly against Tier One nations, Tuiloa said standards across coaching, governance, administration and medical services must continue to improve.
He also noted that many players in Fiji’s current under-20 squad and senior national team had come through the Skipper Cup and Vanua Championship, including current Senirusi Seruvakula, who rose through the local ranks before taking charge of the national side.
Tuiloa thanked sponsors CJ Patel, Vodafone Fiji and Subrails for their continued support, saying their investment was helping strengthen communities and secure the future of Fiji Rugby.
