Tavua’s Garvey Park will host the Vodafone Fiji Secondary Schools Rugby League semifinals tomorrow.

Fiji National Rugby League acting general manager Albert Sanday said Tavua had become the destination for the latest round of games as the only available venue.

“Right now, the availability of the grounds is an issue,” Sanday said.

“We understand the grandstand at Lawaqa Park and Lautoka’s Churchill Park are also closed.

“Nadi’s Prince Charles Park has been heavily booked and the only option for the west is Garvey Park.”

Fiji Secondary Schools Rugby League acting president Poe Keleinavutoka highlighted the growing popularity of rugby league.

“There was a request from western schools to have the game moved to Tavua because they have more schools now than the Southern Zone taking part in the playoffs.

“I think most schools and Fiji as a whole really, put more emphasis on rugby union.

“I think the government of the day and also all the stakeholders should take into account that rugby league is here to stay and they must encourage it even though we don’t have a ground.”

In the Under-15 grade, Nasinu Secondary School plays Natabua High in the first semi-final while Ratu Navula College and Tavua District Secondary play the second semifinal. Cathedral Secondary plays Ba Provincial Freebird Institute in the first U17 semifinal followed Natabua playing Nasinu in the second semi-final.

Nasinu plays Ratu Navula in the first U19 semi-final while defending champions Ba Provincial plays Lomaivuna Secondary School in the second semi-final.

Feedback: eroni.tuinaceva@fijisun.com.fj