Fiji Rugby Launches “Na Soko” Women’s Franchise Competition

Fiji Rugby has announced the launch of Na Soko, an innovative women’s rugby franchise competition, set to commence on Friday at Lawaqa Park.

The tournament aims to create a vital link between local provincial competitions and elite professional rugby, particularly focusing on the Vodafone Fijiana XV.

Commenting on the launch, Fiji Rugby’s women’s high performance manager, Alana Thomas, said: “Na Soko is an opportunity for those players not in the Fijian Drua to push for RWC selection.”

“It will enhance the depth of the Vodafone Fijiana XV squad by providing a clean slate for players.

“Those who excel during Na Soko will have the chance to vie for selection in the Oceania squad.

“Na Soko also offers coaches from our new High Performance coaching program the opportunity to develop their skills and be evaluated by our facilitators as we expand our pool of high-performance coaches,” Thomas said.

Fiji Rugby’s tournament director, Jikoibau Matawalu, added: “This is more than just a tournament.”

“Na Soko represents our path forward and serves as a crucial steppingstone connecting grassroots rugby to the professional arena.

“We are fostering a pathway for local talent to thrive, paving the way for them to one day don the Fijiana jersey,” Matawalu said. 

Designed with the future of women’s rugby in mind, Na Soko will function at a semi-professional level, featuring athletes from 36 unions grouped into four regional franchise teams: Camakau, Bilibili, Kaunitoni, and Takia which are all deeply rooted to Fiji’s heritage that represents movements, unity, and resilience:

Camakau: A large, long-distance canoe symbolising the legacy of Fijian seafaring and navigation, encompassing regions such as Tailevu, Ra, Ovalau, Nanukuloa, Northland, Tavua, and Vatukoula.

Kaunitoni: A historic canoe from northern Fiji that embodies strength and endurance, representing regions such as Bua, Macuata, Cakaudrove, Taveuni, and Kadavu.

Bilibili: A traditional bamboo raft showcasing the adaptability and resourcefulness of Fijians, covering areas including Serua, Namosi, Rewa, Naitasiri, Suva, Northern Bulls, and Nasinu.

Takia: A type of canoe symbolising journeys of exploration within Fiji, encompassing regions such as Nadi, Nadroga, Navosa, Lautoka, Ba, Yasawa, and Malolo.

The primary objective of Na Soko is to prepare players for the demands of high-performance rugby, with selectors closely observing performances as they build a squad for the Fijiana XV ahead of the Rugby World Cup in England.

Fiji Rugby is investing in its semi-professional structure to elevate domestic women’s rugby, demonstrating its commitment to long-term growth and gender equality in the sport, by extending their gratitude to the Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre for their vital financial support in enabling this tournament, their partnership is crucial in realizing Na Soko in empowering women through sports.

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