The move by the Fiji Rugby Union (FRU) to make changes in all domestic competitions from next year is long overdue.
Although, FRU interim administrator Simione Valenitabua, made sure that he did not reveal much, but his assurance for rugby followers to expect big changes from next year, is good enough.
He has confirmed that plans are in the pipeline. It is also understood that talks have been ongoing with all stakeholders including the sponsors as well.
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This is believed to be the need to increase the number of teams playing in the Skipper Cup from eight to 10.
That could mean an increase in the logistic costings. That is all costs associated with the team’s operation from merchandise, travelling and the list go on.
On the other hand, having more teams in the Skipper Cup could mean more game time for our players and a lot of players to look at when it comes to national selection.
The FRU sanctioned- Skipper Cup, the Vodafone Vanua Championship and the Under-20 competitions are the biggest in the country.
This is where we select players to represent the Fiji Under-20, Fijian Warriors, Fijian Drua to the Super Rugby Pacific and the Flying Fijians for international Test matches.
However, it does not hurt if the decision makers at Rugby House could look at ways to revive the yearly Island Zone competition, which is played on the first week of the second term holiday in Suva.
The competition had a strong following in the 1970s to early 2000 where it was played while the Hibiscus Festival and annual Methodist Church conference were going on.
Island Zone teams like Rabi, Ovalau, Malolo and Yasawa have even made it to the Major Union.
During that era a lot of potential players from the islands like Kaiava Salusalu, Joeli Veitayaki, Sireli Matavesi, Paula Vadiga, Remesio Ravuiwasa, Jone Daunivucu, Vesi Rauluni, Rupeni Caucaunibuca, Jone Railomo and so on have represented Fiji internationally.
There’s no turning back from here as these changes are definitely going to do us well in the long run.
Meanwhile, congratulations to the Flying Fijians on their historic 30-22 win over England in Twickenham yesterday morning (Fiji time).
Fiji has become the first Tier 2 team to beat England and this could see the Waisea Nayacalevu-captained side move up the World Rugby rankings. The Fijians are currently on the ninth spot.
This was the Flying Fijians final warm-up Test match for the Rugby World Cup in France.
The focus from today, according to Nayacalevu, is on Wales who is their RWC’s Pool C opponent on September 10.
Feedback: leonec@fijisun.com.fj
