Fiji Rugby Union Backs Two-Venue Format for School Championship Semi-Finals

The Fiji Rugby Union (FRU) has backed a proposal to stage the semi-finals of the Vodafone Deans Trophy and the Weet-Bix Raluve Championship at two different venues this weekend. FRU CEO Koli Sewabu announced the union's full support for the decision, which he believes will generate significant excitement around the competitions.

Sewabu explained that the two-venue format is designed to allow schools from the Western and Central divisions to host and play matches on their respective home grounds. This approach is intended to enhance the fan experience and build greater anticipation for these crucial matches.

Beyond generating excitement, the FRU CEO highlighted that the format will also play a role in the growth and development of the participating teams. Providing teams with greater exposure by playing on different turfs, rather than concentrating all semi-final matches at a single location, is seen as beneficial for their overall development.

"It's not a decision entirely from Fiji Rugby; the Fiji Secondary Schools Rugby Union usually makes the decisions, and we support them based on several factors in trying to grow the game and trying to take it to where it matters the most," Sewabu stated during a press conference. The semi-finals are scheduled to take place at HFC Bank Stadium in Suva and Churchill Park in Lautoka on Saturday.

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It’s not a decision entirely from Fiji Rugby, the Fiji Secondary Schools Rugby Union usually makes the decisions, and we support them based on several factors in trying to grow the game and trying to take it to where it matters the most.