Fiji Rugby Union today launched the 2023 Vodafone Vanua Championship at the Vodafone headquarters in Suva.
Featuring 16 teams divided into four pools of four including Rewa and Northland who were relegated from the Skipper Cup last year, the competition starts this Saturday and culminates with the finals in August.
Rewa will compete in the central zone alongside Nasinu, Ovalau, and Northern Bulls. Northland slots in the Northern zone grouped with Bua, Nanukuloa, and Cakaudrove. In the West, Malolo, Serua, Navosa, and Lautoka go head-to-head whilst in the eastern zone Ba compete alongside Ra, Tavua, and Vatukoula.
The top two finishers from each zone will qualify for the quarterfinals with the eventual winners and runners-up earning promotion to the Skipper Cup competition in 2024.
Today’s launch comes as Vodafone Fiji marks its birthday month which company’s Chief Marketing Officer Rajnesh Prasad “not only celebrates the spirit of rugby and our birthday but also marks a significant milestone of commitment to the development of the sport in the country.”
“As we celebrate our 29 years in succession, we come together to embrace this legacy and renew our commitment to nurturing Fijian rugby grassroots through the Vanua Championship and the many portfolios that we support in developmental sports,” Sami said.
“The Vanua Championship is not just about the competition; it is a platform that showcases the raw talent and passion that thrives in every corner of our beautiful islands. It is a tournament that celebrates the unity the sport portrays, as we witness teams from various provinces compete with pride and competition.
“Through our partnership, we aim to create an environment where young talent can flourish, where dreams can be nurtured, and where future national heroes can emerge.”
Vanua Cup Fixtures This Weekend:
Navosa vs Lautoa, Malolo vs Serua, Bua vs Cakaudrove, Northland vs Nanukuloa, Nasinu vs Ovalau, Rewa vs Northern Bulls, Vatukoula v Tavua, Ba vs Ra
