Labasa To Host Vanua Semis, FRU To Confirm
The Vodafone Vanua Championship semifinals are likely to be staged at Subrail Park in Labasa, this weekend.
Fiji Rugby Union chief executive officer John O’Connor told SUNsports yesterday that the operations team are finalising the venue.
“We want to stage the first semifinal on Friday and the second semifinal on Saturday,” O’Connor said.
“This is the first time we have hosted a quarterfinal and are considering hosting the semifinals in the North.
“This matter was discussed at the AGM (annual general meeting) and to support the development of rugby in the North, we are considering hosting the semifinals in the North
“This is very important as the winners will qualify for next season’s Skipper competition.
“We will also host the Royal Ranadi Cup Semifinals this week. We will advise the teams accordingly, once we decide on the venues”
Macuata is to face Ba in the first semifinal while the unbeaten Bua side takes on Yasawa in the second semifinal on Saturday.
Macuata, Ba and Yasawa have played in the major union competition before while Bua is relatively a newcomer.
Ba upset favourites Lautoka 14-13 at Churchill Park while Yasawa, who are being coached by former Fijian 7s coach and Auckland Blues winger Iliesa Tanivula beat Vatukoula 24-17 at Garvey Park in Tavua.
O’Connor said it would a big boost for Vanua Levu, if Macuata and Bua are promoted to next season’s major union.
“But we cannot rule out Yasawa and Ba who are seasoned campaigners,” he added.
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