20 schools to feature in Fiji’s RWC2015 Legacy Programme

As part of the lead up and global legacy programs for the Rugby World Cup, twenty (20) school girl teams in Fiji will be introduced to rugby union. The 20 schools will take part in the first ever Fiji Secondary school girls 7s tournament organized by the FRU women’s development officer Vela Naucukidi.

The tournament that is scheduled for next week, 21^st August has attracted teams from Vanua Levu, the Western Division, Tailevu, Naitasiri and even from Ovalau. The positive responses from schools, girls and parents proves that the mindset has changed – where all are embracing rugby for male and female.

Teachers are impressed by the way rugby’s core values of teamwork, respect, enjoyment, discipline and sportsmanship, have made an impact both on the pitch and in the class room.

As a former rugby journalist, Ms Naucukidi has interviewed a lot of professional rugby players and these players have admittedly said how much rugby has contributed to their lives, on and off the field.

Now as a women’s development officer she believes there are also a lot of opportunities for these young girls if they wish to take up the sport.

“Rugby can help instill confidence, discipline and determination in young people so I’m delighted that the this tournament as part of the RWC Legacy programme is giving so many young girls the chance to take up the sport,” she added.

The 20 schools will represent the teams that will be taking part in Rugby World Cup this year, following the same pool and format of the rugby world cup – but this time the girls are playing 7s.

“Though we are using the same format at the rugby world cup, the girls will be playing 7s,” Naucukidi said.

The FRU development officers have visited some of the schools that will be taking part and are impressed with the enthusiasm and talent out there.

“The tournament provides a platform for the girls to showcase their skills,” she added.

The current success of the Fijian 7s team at the Pacific Games and also being one of the core teams in the World Rugby Women Sevens series has seen a tremendous increase in the interest of young girls playing rugby.

“Telecom Fijiana is now preparing for the Olympics qualifier to be held in Auckland early November, you never know, one of these young girls that will feature in next week tournament might be part of the team next year.”

Ms Naucukidi is grateful that this tournament is can be featured as a Rugby World Cup legacy programme and is hoping that it will be something the girls will cherish as they progress with their rugby careers.

“I want these young girls to feel part of the excitement of our Vodafone Flying Fijians preparation to RWC 2015 and to have a real connection to the sport. I am proud of the values that our sport promotes and hope the teachers encourage them in all areas of school life.”

Next week, 240 school girls from around the country representing 20 nations will gather at Suva ANZ Stadium to kick off the first ever National Secondary School 7s tournament.