The Fijian rugby league community is gearing up for the biggest Fijian Nines showdown on Friday and Saturday at Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka.
Sixteen men’s teams featuring 12 local and four New Zealand clubs will battle for the main prizemoney of $15,000, while eight women’s teams from local clubs will also compete for the same spoils in their division.
Tournament chief of operations officer Epeli Tagivetaua said the tournament was set to be the biggest and best rugby league nines tournament in Fiji.
“The Fijian Cup is the most incredible nines league getaway for Pacific rugby league teams and we are excited in welcoming our New Zealand families who will be part of this inaugural event,” he said.
“We thank TourismHQ for having the confidence to add rugby league to its calendar this year and we look forward to working with them to deliver the best rugby league nines experience.
“The communities we’ve visited, the teams that have prepared over the past eight weeks have been positively impacted by the tournament which goes to show the power and potential of sports-tourism in Fiji.
“The tournament is proudly supported by the Fijian Government through its hosting grant delivered by the Fiji National Sports Commission.
“We are grateful to the commission and the Fijian Government for their continued investment in the sport which we hope to continue.
“Auckland Rugby League is also part of the 10-day event that begun on Friday, November 11. Eighteen coaches and referees participated in the technical development clinics by ARL who have also been on tour to villages and communities along the Coral Coast to teach basic rugby league skills and donate sporting gear and school items.”
The tournament will be held at Lawaqa Park from Friday to Saturday.
Tickets are $5 flat and will be sold at the Lawaqa Park gates.
Prizes:
Men’s winner- $15,000, runner-up: $3000, third place, $2000, player of the final- $1000.
Women’s winner: $15,000, runner-up: $2000, third place: $1000, player of the final: $1000.
