Fiji Hockey Teams Prepare for Oceania Pacific Cup Tournament

Fiji’s preparation for the 2024 Oceania Pacific Cup hockey tournament has been a mixed bag, with both the men’s and women’s teams facing challenges as they gear up for the five-a-side competition. The event, which has attracted seven countries and 16 teams competing in the men’s and women’s divisions, is making a return after a six-year hiatus.

The Fiji Men’s Hockey Team

The Fiji men’s hockey team is racing against time to be ready for the tournament. Head coach Shaun Corrie has expressed concerns about the team’s preparation, citing challenges with players from the West who do not have access to synthetic turf facilities like those in Laucala Bay.

“We’re trying to get everyone back into the groove after the World Cup and getting back to their normal daily lives,” Corrie said. “The boys out in the West are without a proper facility, and it’s been tough for us to get them back here.”

Corrie added that they have had to select players who will fit into the game plan and produce results on the pitch due to the lack of time available for preparation.

“We’ve selected the core group of players from districts that we knew could fit the Fiji standards, to come and try also,” Corrie said. “So with two Fiji teams being given spots to play in the tournament, we’re very happy and pleased that we’re able to expose more players to this fold, and the new, young players coming to the fold and getting exposed to the standard Fiji training is also exciting for them.”

The Fiji Women’s Hockey Team

In contrast, the Fiji women’s hockey team is on track, according to their coach Alison Southey. Southey credits a support team of assistants who have helped with preparations, as well as the presence of a strength and conditioning coach and someone helping with skills and drills.

“Preparations have been very good,” Southey said. “We’ve had the women come out of the Hockey League season as well as the last Marist tournament. And you know, having them at that certain level and moving into national requirements is something we’re very proud of.”

Southey expressed confidence in her team’s readiness to compete and do well against the other competitors.

“It’s exciting. I look forward to the challenges that come with it,” she said.

Tournament Details

The Pacific Cup will be held from 9-12 December, featuring teams from Australia, Fiji, New Zealand, Samoa, Tonga, Vanuatu, and Solomon Islands in both the men’s and women’s divisions. The tournament was previously held from 2008 to 2018 as an 11-a-side competition before switching to a five-a-side format in 2017.

The Pacific Cup has a rich history, with Australia and New Zealand sending invitation teams, including the Australian Country Under-21 teams and New Zealand Barbarians and Maori Men’s teams. President’s and Maori Women’s teams.

Teams Competing This Year

The men’s division will feature Fiji Nationals, Fiji Warriors, Vanuatu, Tonga, Samoa, PNG, Solomon Islands, and New Zealand Fijians.

The women’s division will feature Fiji, Fiji Warriors, Vanuatu, Tonga, Samoa, PNG, Solomon Islands, and NZ Heritage Pacific.