Namosi Start Season With 10s Tournament

Thomson Park will be a hive of activity on Saturday with the Namosi Rugby Union hosting their $5000 10s tournament to kick start their 2022 season.

Twelve teams have confirmed their participation in the tourney with room to accommodate another eight to take the number of teams playing to 20.

“Namosi is taking a new approach this year by being inclusive,” union secretary Mateo Tuikulu said.

The Namosi season starts Febru­ary 26 with matches to be held si­multaneously at Thomson Park and Navunikabi grounds in Namosi.

“This is to boost competition and also help develop the sport all Fiji­ans love and that is rugby,” he said.

“Team officials like selectors, coaches and referees will also ros­tered so that they also be at Navuni­kabi to select players to be part of the development squad. These play­ers can then be drafted to the main team either to replace players or boost the main Namosi team.

Meanwhile only two women’s teams have confirmed their par­ticipation in the tens competition – they are Wardens and Warriors.

According to Tuikulu if no other women’s team register for Satur­day’s competition Wardens and Warriors will meet for the final which the winner collects $1000 and the runner-up get $5000.

Registration fees: $100 per team for both divisions. The 10s tourna­ment is sponsored by Navua busi­ness B Kumar.

Men’s teams that have confirmed so far are: defending champions Wardens (2 teams), Veivatuloa, St Michael (2 teams), Veiyasana Raid­ers, St Peters (2 teams), Disavu,(2 teams) and Tabadamu.

Players and spectators are remind­ed that strict COVID protocol check will be carried out at the grounds.

All must be fully vaccinated and should bring their vaccination cards for verification. Everybody should also wear their masks.

Admission is $3 flat, children 12 years and under - $1 and those U-6 entry is free. Gates will open at 7.30am with the tournament kick­ing off at 8am.

Feedback: karalaini.waqanidrola@fijisun.com.fj