Fiji Rugby Launches “Na Soko” – Voyage of Resilience
Fiji Rugby is proud to officially launch Na Soko, a groundbreaking women’s rugby franchise competition set to kick off this Friday at Lawaqa Park. This exciting new tournament is part of a bold strategic vision to bridge the gap between local provincial competition and elite professional rugby, particularly the Vodafone Fijiana XV.
Built with the future of women’s rugby in mind, Na Soko will operate at a semi-professional level and feature players from across 36 unions, grouped into four regional franchise teams: Camakau, Bilibili, Kaunitoni, and Takia.
Fiji Rugby Womens High Performance Manager Alana Thomas said, “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”
“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”
Fiji Rugby Tournament Director Jikoibau Matawalu said “This is more than just a tournament. Na Soko is our way forward and is a critical steppingstone that connects grassroots rugby to the professional stage.”
“We are creating a pathway where local talent can thrive and one day wear the Fijiana jersey,” he said.
The names of the four franchises reflect Fiji’s rich maritime heritage — traditional modes of transportation that symbolize movement, unity, and resilience:
Camakau- A larger, long-distance canoe, representing the legacy of Fijian seafaring and navigation. Tailevu, Ra, Ovalau, Nanukuloa, Northland, Tavua, Vatukoula
Kaunitoni- A historic canoe from the Northern part of Fiji, symbolizing strength and endurance. Bua, Macuata, Cakaudrove, Taveuni, Kadavu
Bilibili- A traditional bamboo raft, representing the adaptability and resourcefulness of Fijians. Serua, Namosi, Rewa, Naitasiri, Suva, Northern Bulls, Nasinu
Takia- A type of canoe that symbolizes the journeys of exploration, from the islands to the interior of Fiji. Nadi, Nadroga, Navosa, Lautoka, Ba, Yasawa, Malolo
Each team is built from a diverse pool of unions, ensuring a competitive and inclusive playing field across the regions.
The primary goal of Na Soko is to prepare players for the rigours of high-performance rugby, with selectors closely monitoring performances for the Fijiana XV as we are currently building a squad, creating depth towards the Rugby World Cup in England. By investing in this semi-professional model, Fiji Rugby is not only raising the bar for domestic women’s rugby but also reinforcing its commitment to long-term development and gender equity in sport.
Fiji Rugby would like to extend its heartfelt vinaka vakalevu to the Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre for their financial support in the running of this tournament. Their partnership has played a crucial role in making Na Soko a reality, helping to empower and uplift women through the platform of sport.
Fiji Rugby invites fans, families, and communities to come out and support the launch of Na Soko this Friday at Lawaqa Park.