Vanuatu 7s

Ovins thrashed Shepherds 19-0 to win the prize money for the women’s division.

Boosting the side were the Vanuatu national women’s core players and two Fijian players captain, Sisi Roqara and Amele Gavidi.

Ovins was one of the only two women’s teams that registered for the tournament.  

Former Fijian provincial rugby player, Pita Natoga, is currently coaching the team.

The Oceania Rugby Women’s Sevens Championship kicked off in Suva on Thursday with all eyes on qualification for Tokyo 2020. But for Vanuatu, history has already been made.

Vanuatu were led out by captain Rachelle Tari at ANZ Stadium as the small Pacific Island nation made its debut in international women’s competition against Fiji.

A 48-0 defeat against the hosts - and favourites to secure their place at next year’s Olympic Games on Saturday - followed, however, success for Tari and her team-mates over the next few days will not be measured on the pitch.

The Oceania Rugby Women’s Sevens Championship kicked off in Suva on Thursday with all eyes on qualification for Tokyo 2020. But for Vanuatu, history has already been made.

Vanuatu were led out by captain Rachelle Tari at ANZ Stadium as the small Pacific Island nation made its debut in international women’s competition against Fiji.

A 48-0 defeat against the hosts - and favourites to secure their place at next year’s Olympic Games on Saturday - followed, however, success for Tari and her team-mates over the next few days will not be measured on the pitch.

The team management congratulated the players selected on their social media platform.

“Congratulations to our gladiators who will battle for Vanuatu in the Oceania Rugby 7s in November 2019. A great effort and a special mention to all the hard working coaching staff and management.

“The retention of some core players who were faithful campaigners year in and year out will lift the overall performance and provide confidence into the new comers.”