Tournament Set to Bring Rugby Excitement to Solomon Islands

The Oceania Rugby 7s tournament is set to bring together the region’s top teams for an exciting weekend of rugby action in Honiara, Solomon Islands. The event marks a significant milestone in the country’s growing stature in the regional sporting community and promises to be a thrilling experience for fans.

**Teams Arrive for Tournament**

The teams arrived earlier this week, with games kicking off on Saturday and finals scheduled for Sunday afternoon. The tournament features some of the region’s top teams, including Fiji, New Zealand, Australia, Samoa, and Tonga, as well as Solomon Islands, who are hosting the event for the first time.

Solomon Islands Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele expressed his pride in the announcement, noting the significance of hosting such a major international event. “The Solomon Islands government is deeply humbled to be partners with Oceania Rugby to host this event here in Honiara in December 2024. The Government will do all that it can to make sure that this is a successful and memorable event,” Manele said.

**Partners Happy with Event**

Oceania Rugby president Richard Sapias highlighted the importance of expanding the tournament’s reach to new host nations like the Solomon Islands. “We extend our deepest gratitude to the Solomon Islands Government for their remarkable vision and foresight in bringing the Oceania Rugby 7s to Honiara. Their unwavering faith in the power of sport, and their commitment to investing in rugby, speaks volumes about their dedication to growing the game in the Oceania region.”

Solomon Islands Rugby executive board president George Temahua said hosting the event “is a dream come true for Solomon Islands Rugby”. “This tournament is not only a proud moment for our nation but a golden opportunity for our players, fans, and the entire country,” he said.

**Coach Clinics Underway**

As part of the preparations, Oceania Rugby has been conducting coaching clinics in Honiara, where renowned coach Waisale Serevi has been sharing his expertise with local coaches. The clinics have been a huge success, with many coaches praising Serevi’s knowledge and experience.

“Working with Coach Serevi has been an incredible experience,” said one local coach. “He brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the table, and we’re all grateful for the opportunity to learn from him.”

**Conclusion**

The Oceania Rugby 7s tournament promises to be an exciting event, bringing together some of the region’s top teams in Honiara, Solomon Islands. The host nation’s commitment to rugby and sporting excellence is evident, and fans can look forward to a thrilling weekend of action-packed rugby.

Games kick off on Saturday, with finals scheduled for Sunday afternoon. Don’t miss out on the excitement – tune in to watch the Oceania Rugby 7s tournament live!