Churchill Park in Lautoka was abuzz with excitement during the Dragons two-day Gala Tournament, a significant event that gathered young rugby league players from Fiji, Australia, and New Zealand. This tournament marked a new chapter in international youth rugby league participation, featuring for the first time, local Fijian clubs alongside teams like the Engadine Dragons from Cronulla and Auckland’s Marist Saints in the Under-10 division.
Fiji Bati head coach Wise Kativerata, who graced the event, highlighted the tournament’s developmental benefits. He noted the significant learning opportunities it provided for Fijian teams when matched against their Australian counterparts. Kativerata expressed hopes of broadening this initiative to involve Suva next year, emphasizing the potential long-term benefits for Fiji’s rugby league, particularly the Vodafone Cup, through nurturing young talent.
The Gala Tournament was envisioned by co-founders Dean Sharman and Tamara Marshall. They have been instrumental in collaborating with local clubs for the past two years to enhance the junior rugby league standard in Fiji. Sharman underlined their mission to establish a pathway for young local players to experience and rise to international rugby standards. This event was not just about competition; it also served as an international cultural and skill exchange, teaching young athletes essential game rules, including those practiced in Australia.
Alongside the matches, the event fostered cultural exchanges with visiting teams partaking in school visits and other community activities, creating a platform for mutual learning and relationship-building across the Pacific. As the final whistle marked the end of the tournament, it symbolized more than just a sporting event. It represented a promising foundation for the future growth and unity in junior rugby league across Fiji and the Pacific region.
The success of this event reflects an increasing commitment by organizations like the Engadine Dragons, Mua-i-ra Rugby League, and Fiji National Rugby League to drive long-term development in Fijian rugby. By integrating these international experiences, the tournament aims to inspire young athletes, charting a pathway to a hopeful future in rugby league. Through these ongoing efforts, Fiji is positioning itself as a nurturing ground for upcoming rugby talents and strengthening ties with the broader rugby community.