MEDIA RELEASE
10 teams are set to compete in the 2013 Rosy Hearts Fiji-Indo Rugby 7s tournament to boost the interest of Fijians of Indian descent to take up playing the national sport.
The pools for the tournament were drawn at the FASANOC office yesterday (Wednesday) by Fiji’s top whistle-man, James Bolabiu in the presence of Fiji-Indo Rugby Coordinator at FRU, Solo Finau, major sponsors Rosy Hearts, and tournament organisers, Wainivula Eels Rugby Club.
With the aim to revive rugby in the Fiji-Indo population, the tournament organisers are pleased with interest shown toward the initiative that will be held this Saturday, 28 September at the USP grounds.
“We were expecting at least six-teams for the tournament to kick-start this initiative but the response we have received has really exceeded our expectations,” tournament organisnig committee member Kelvin Anthony said.
Pool A will be led by the hosts Wainivula Eels with University of the South Pacific (USP), Nabua, Phoenix, and Lautoka. While the Nakasi Highlanders are seeded as the top team in Pool B, with Uni Babas, Alchoballics, Ba, and Nadi.
“Three teams are coming to participate from the West and for us this means that the level of interest which exists is huge. All that is needed is a bit of support and we are glad that many corporate organisations as well as individuals have stepped forward to make this event possible,” Anthony said.
Anthony thanked the Fiji Rugby Union for welcoming this initiative and providing the technical and administrative support.
“It is important for us to work with FRU and have their backing to be able to achieve our objective to promote and develop the game locally and see a couple of Fijians of Indian descent representing us in the National team in the near future.”
Meanwhile, the tournament kicks-off at 9am on Saturday and the public is invited to attend and support the teams at the USP grounds.
