The Vodafone Fijian Rugby League Inter-Zone competition will see women teams participating at Churchill Park, Lautoka on Saturday.

Operations manager for Fijian National Rugby League (FNRL) Joe Savou made the comment at the launch of the competition on Friday.

“This is the first year we will see women take part in the rugby league competition in Fiji.”

He said after training women in Nadroga and Rakiraki and after getting a good response, they decided to include them in the competition.

Deputy chairperson for FNRL Peni Musunamasi said: “This is the first time we will be seeing women taking part in rugby league competition in Fiji and this is a great start for FNRL.”

He also said the zone competition was something that FNRL was going to promote and it could become a franchise in the future.

“Hopefully next year we will include the under-16 and this will help in our build-up in the 2021 Rugby League World Cup.”

The Suva Eagles, Nasinu Titans, Nadroga Knights, Nadi Aviators, Lautoka Crusades and Ra Roosters will compete in the under-20, Premier and women categories.

Winning team from the three categories will receive $2000 while the runner ups will get $1000.

Tickets for adults are $5, children $3.

Savou said: “We are expecting a good turnout.”

The Vodafone Inter-Zone Competition begins on Saturday at Churchill Park, Lautoka.

Competition begins at 9am with Nadi Aviators women playing Lautoka Crusades.

Edited by Osea Bola

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