Vodafone Deans Trophy competition launched

The Fiji Secondary Schools Vodafone Deans Trophy 2026 competition gets underway this weekend.

Minister of Education Aseri Radrodro was chief guest at the of­ficial launch at Gospel High School Hall in Suva yesterday.

"Today's launch is about creat­ing opportunities for young people to learn, participate, compete and grow," Radrodro said.

"This competition remains one of Fiji's most enduring, respected sporting institutions."

Radrodro highlighted that the Deans Trophy competition has pro­vided a platform for generations of young Fijians to represent their schools with pride for 87 years.

"It's more than a sporting event, it is part of Fiji's educational and sporting heritage," he said.

"Let us ensure that rivalry re­mains healthy, respectful and grounded in the values of sports-manship that defines school rugby in Fiji."

The Ministry of Education re­mains firm with their commitment to ensure that all schools in the country are drug-free, Radrodro added.

"Where students can learn, can grow and thrive in a safe and sup­portive environment," he said.

"This requires a collective effort in schools, from parents, commu­nities and our young people them­selves."

Vodafone Regional chief market­ing officer Rajnesh Prasad said their organisation would continue their mission to grow rugby in Fiji.

"By investing in the development of young talent, we hope to pass on the spirit of excellence to the next generation," he said.

"When we cultivate this sport, we are not teaching a game, we're moulding leaders, dreamers and victors of character."

Prasad urged parents to nurture their children's passion for their respective sports.

"A profession in the sports indus­try is not a dream. It is tangible re­ality waiting for them to pursue it," he said.