Churchill Park in Lautoka recently hosted the Dragons two-day Gala Tournament, a thrilling event that brought together young rugby league players from Fiji, Australia, and New Zealand. This tournament marks a significant milestone in international youth rugby league participation, showcasing Fijian clubs for the first time alongside teams like the Engadine Dragons from Cronulla and Auckland’s Marist Saints in the Under-10 division.
Fiji Bati head coach, Wise Kativerata, attended the event and emphasized its developmental advantages. He noted the invaluable learning experiences the tournament offered to Fijian teams, particularly when competing against their Australian counterparts. Kativerata expressed hopes of expanding this initiative to include Suva next year, highlighting the potential long-term benefits for Fiji’s rugby league, especially in enhancing the Vodafone Cup through nurturing young talent.
The Gala Tournament was the brainchild of co-founders Dean Sharman and Tamara Marshall, who have collaborated with local clubs over the past two years to elevate the junior rugby league standard in Fiji. Sharman pointed out their mission to create a pathway for young local players to gain exposure to international rugby standards. The event was designed not only for competition but also as a cultural and skill exchange, teaching young athletes essential game rules and practices observed in countries like Australia.
Beyond the matches, the event facilitated cultural exchanges, with visiting teams participating in school visits and various community activities, fostering mutual learning and building relationships across the Pacific. As the tournament concluded, it symbolized more than just a sporting event. It laid a promising foundation for the future growth and unity of junior rugby league across Fiji and the Pacific region.
The success of this event underscores a growing commitment by organizations such as the Engadine Dragons, Mua-i-ra Rugby League, and the Fiji National Rugby League to support the long-term development of rugby in Fiji. By incorporating international experiences, the tournament seeks to inspire young athletes and pave the way for a hopeful future in rugby league. Such ongoing efforts position Fiji as a nurturing ground for budding rugby talents, while also strengthening ties with the global rugby community.