The rugby town of Sigatoka is set to be the stage for some exciting rugby action tomorrow as Fiji Rugby introduces its latest venture, Na Soko – a pioneering women’s rugby franchise competition that will be held at Lawaqa Park.
The tournament marks a significant step towards bridging the gap between local provincial competitions and elite professional rugby, with a specific focus on the development of the Vodafone Fijiana XV team.
Na Soko will operate at a semi-professional level, bringing together players from 36 different unions who will be divided into four regional franchise teams: Camakau, Bilibili, Kaunitoni, and Takia.
Fiji Rugby women’s high performance manager Alana Thomas expressed her excitement about the potential of Na Soko in providing opportunities for players to showcase their talent and push for selection in the Fijian Drua and potentially the Rugby World Cup squad.
“Na Soko is an opportunity for those players not in the Fijian Drua to push for RWC selection, it will allow the coaches of Vodafone Fijiana XV to build depth in the squad, with the slate clean with and those players that perform during the Na Soko the opportunity to push for selection in the Oceania squad,” said Thomas.
“Na Soko is also providing coaches from our new High Performance coaching program to coach and be assessed by our facilitators as we grow our pool of coaches coaching at a HP level.”
Tournament director Jikoibau Matawalu emphasised that Na Soko is more than just a competition, it is a crucial pathway for local talent to progress to the professional stage and don the Fijiana jersey with pride.
“This is more than just a tournament. Na Soko is our way forward and is a critical stepping stone that connects grassroots rugby to the professional stage,” he said.
“We are creating a pathway where local talent can thrive and one day wear the Fijiana jersey.”
The four franchise names pay homage to Fiji’s maritime heritage, highlighting the country’s rich history and cultural significance.
Each team comprises a diverse range of unions, ensuring a competitive and inclusive playing environment that will prepare players for the demands of high-performance rugby.
Fiji Rugby acknowledged the support of the Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre in the running of Na Soko by underscoring the collaborative effort to promote women’s rugby in the country.
Fiji Rugby has invited fans, families, and communities to come out and support the launch of Na Soko tomorrow at Lawaqa Park.
