FSSRL expands as Ovalau schools join 2026 season

New schools have joined this year’s Vodafone Fiji Secondary Schools Rugby League (FSSRL) competition, which was officially launched in Suva yesterday.

FSSRL president Naisa Cama Toko told SUNsports that this is the ‘year of expansion’ for the sport.

He confirmed that the two new schools are from Ovalau- Levuka Public School and Saint John’s College.

Toko said St John’s is fielding Under-15 and U17 teams while Levuka Public School is fielding an U19 side.

He confirmed that Naiyala Secondary School is rejoining the competition after a three-year lapse along with Nadi’s Ratu Navula College.

“There’s a total of 56 teams altogether in the Southern and Eastern zones, it’s a big number,” Toko said.

“We also have the sleeping giants, Ratu Navula College, rejoining us. We have 30-something teams from the West, right across from Sigatoka all the way to Ra.”

He added that this year’s competition has grown compared to previous years.

“It has grown in terms of numbers. We know that last year we had Bua coming in from Vanua Levu but this year, the big story is that we now have included Ovalau. We also have been organising girls’ competition over the last five years.”

Toko acknowledged the work of the Fiji National Rugby League development officers.

“We thank them for conducting our coaching clinics and also accrediting our coaches,” he said.

Toko said with the FNRL board they’re looking forward to more development works being carried out.

“We are really looking forward to further expansion to Vanua Levu and other schools in the rural setting in the near future,” he said.

Vodafone Fiji head of recharge and distribution Nilesh Singh said the occasion is not about the launching of the FSSRL competition but about its legacy.

He said Vodafone Fiji is incredibly proud to have the naming rights in sponsoring another season of the secondary school’s competition.

From its humble beginnings the competition has identified talented players like Viliame Kikau, Tui Kamikamica, Marika Koroibete, Taqele Naiyaravoro and Solomone Naiduki who have made their mark in the NRL (National Rugby League)

“This year is special. We’re not just partners, we are family. 2026 marks 20 years of partnership at a national level,” he said.