The Tailevu Rugby Union has made a significant advancement with the announcement of a $10,000 sponsorship agreement from Standard Concrete Industries and its premium brand Humes. This collaboration allows the Tailevu Rugby Football Union to officially compete under the name Standard Concrete Tailevu Rugby Football Union in the remaining matches of the 2025 Skipper Cup and Marama Cup competitions. The men’s senior team will be referred to as Standard Concrete Tailevu, while the women’s team will be known as Humes Tailevu.
Joseph Rodan Snr, president of the Tailevu Rugby Union, highlighted that this partnership extends beyond just financial backing; it aims to provide a solid foundation for the long-term growth of grassroots rugby. The sponsorship is designed to cultivate talent among young athletes and establish organized pathways that align with the Union’s Business Plan for 2025-2030. Rodan expressed, “This partnership empowers us to invest in grassroots rugby, nurture the talents of young men and women, and create structured career pathways that align with our 2025–2030 Business Plan. It is about building champions on and off the field for the province of Tailevu and Fiji at large.”
Standard Concrete, known as Fiji’s premier supplier of precast and concrete solutions, complements the Tailevu Rugby Union’s focus on player development and expanding opportunities in rugby for both women and local communities.
In conjunction with this announcement, the Tailevu Rugby Union prepares for an upcoming match against Lautoka at Churchill Park, with the Under-20s kicking off at 1 PM, followed by the main event at 3 PM. This excitement is part of a busy weekend of rugby, featuring other matches such as Macuata versus Malolo at Subrails Park, Ba facing Vatukoula at Garvey Park, and Nadroga hosting Nadi at Lawaqa Park. Meanwhile, Naitasiri will compete against Suva at Naluwai Ground.
The recent influx of sponsorships for Tailevu Rugby not only boosts the Union’s financial security but also enhances the visibility of rugby in the region, promoting participation and strengthening community engagement. As local businesses continue to invest in sports, there is a positive outlook for the future of rugby in Tailevu, with hopes centered on grassroots development and uniting the community through sport.