Oceania Rugby and Cook Islands Rugby Union Statement on 2017 Oceania Rugby U20 Trophy
Following the successful hosting of the Oceania Rugby Cup in August 2017 Oceania Rugby and the Cook Islands Rugby Union were engaged in discussions to host the 2017 Oceania Rugby Under 20 Trophy in Rarotonga in November this year.
A mutually acceptable decision has now been reached between the Cook Islands Rugby Union and Oceania Rugby to move the tournament to Lautoka, Fiji to be hosted by the Fiji Rugby Union, due to recent participation and commercial requirements.
Oceania Rugby President Richard Sapias acknowledged the difference in costs was a critical factor in the decision.
“Oceania Rugby is committed to seeing the hosting of and ability to participate in international competitions reach across our Member Unions however financial considerations to both Oceania Rugby and our Member Unions is a reality”, Sapias added.
Moana Moeka’a Cook Islands Rugby Union President further added
“Whilst the Cook Islands is disappointed to not be hosting the 2017 Oceania Rugby Under 20s Trophy Tournament we are committed to increasing our participation in regional tournaments and look forward to hosting another tournament when the time is right.”
“Given the delay in being to confirm teams choosing a major hub of the pacific like Fiji to host the tournament is understandable”, Moeka’a added.
Fiji failed to gain promotion to the 2018 World Rugby Under 20 Championship following their 3rd place finish at the recent 2017 World Rugby Under 20 Trophy in Uruguay. This means that Fiji along Tonga will be vying for the 2018 World Rugby Under 20 Trophy qualification spot given to the winner of the 2017 Oceania Rugby Under 20 Trophy. The winner will join Samoa Rugby Union at the 2018 World Rugby Under 20 Trophy.
Oceania Rugby has today announcement that the Tournament will be hosted by the Fiji Rugby Union in Lautoka.
(Source: Oceania Rugby Media Release)