Vanuatu Rugby Union

VRU will kick off with the Super Sevens Series which will showcase both Men’s and Women’s categories.

The union said, “Last season was a positive season, having an increase in numbers in both men and women’s team. In the men’s division the number increased by three with Police, Tanvasoko and Erakor joining the men’s division.”

The opening round of the super 7s series will be on 18 February and games continue on 21 February and 4 March.

The finals for the first round of the super 7s series will be on 5 March.

The students were taught that rugby values of teamwork, respect, enjoyment, discipline and sportsmanship are what makes the game special for those who enjoy the environment and culture they create.

Teacher Rosa Siba said they are grateful for the programme and how it has engaged students.

“We are happy that Pita brought the programme to the school. This is just the start and next term the whole school will participate.

“If the kids are happy and we are happy.”

The programme was conducted by VRU Development Officer, Pita Natoga.

The one day tournament will be held at Erakor Village field.

Six men’s teams which include Police, Ifira, USP, Mele, Native and Tanvasoko will be competing for top spots while four women’s teams will compete in their category.

The women’s teams are Island Warriors, Mele, Ifira and Tanvasoko.

Pool A will feature: Natives, USP and Ifira.

Pool B will feature: Police, Tanvasoko and Mele.

The four women’s teams are in one pool and will play round robin.

They move on to playoff to decide the winner of the match.

The national rugby union receives a total sponsorship of Vt150,000 from Justin Ngwele and Indigene Lawyers.

VRU will host its second tournament of the season next Saturday as Labour 7s tournament.

While the venue is yet to be confirmed, all teams are urged to continue their training as more details of the upcoming tournament will be released in the coming week.

Meanwhile, VRU is currently working on its games calendar for the year, and once finalized all clubs, players, and supporters will be notified accordingly.

He will replace John Miller Kalo.

Tumukon said, “My main plan now is to review the VRU constitution.”

“We are also calling for unity and cooperation with all clubs in developing rugby in Vanuatu.”

VRU has appointed Darval Simon as the new secretary and Ali La’au as the new Treasurer.

Pastor Bill Taiwia has been appointed as the new competition manager and he will be in charge of all local competitions.

The Shepherds Men’s rugby team did not show up for the second round of the Vanuatu Rugby Union Championship at the Independence Park last week.

Their failure to attend the game resulted in the University of the South Pacific rugby team adding another three points to competition’s points table.

The Shepherd’s first round was against Ovins, where only few of their players turned up but did not play since they did not have their jerseys.

Meanwhile USP established their first three points after a default win over Ifira who turned up with less than 15 players.

The country’s closing rugby tournament of the year will see the teams participating in 15’s rugby, with three women’s team confirmed for the competition.

The men’s team include USP, Ifira, Shepherds and Ovins and the women’s teams are Warriors, Ovins and Shepherds.

The women’s division will open with a match between Ovins and Warriors at 4.30pm.

Men’s Fixtures;

Nov 4; Ovins vs Ifira

Nov 5; Shepherds vs USP

Nov 11; Ovins vs USP

Nov 12; Shepherds vs Ifira

The union is prioritizing ways in getting back on track with activities lined up for this year.

The COVID-19 has affected sporting activities this year, which includes local competition and training, and rugby is one of them.

VRU president John Miller Kalo said they had organized a plan of activities before Covid-19 became a serious pandemic in the pacific region.

“This year our plans was having 7s tournaments to start the season starting from February in all public holidays and after the 7s season we go straight to 15s season.”