Fiji hosts Oceania rugby annual meet

THE 2019 Oceania Rugby annual meeting was hosted by Fiji Rugby in Nadi, Fiji, on May 29, with Fiji Minister for Youth and Sports Parveen Bala opening the gathering.
While addressing the membership, Bala spoke of the close relations that Oceania Rugby and Fiji’s ministry for employment, productivity and industrial relations and youth and sports had through the hosting and delivery of the Oceania Sevens Championships in Fiji.
Bala said the tournament “not only has lifted the standard of sevens but has provided qualification opportunities for countries aspiring to move up the ranks”.
“Our prime minister has continuously mentioned that in some countries, rugby is a sport. But in Fiji, rugby is a way of life.
“In our towns, villages, settlement and cities, in our schools and parks and on our beaches, Fijians come to play and enjoy rugby in every corner of our country.”
Oceania Rugby president Richard Sapias noted the high achievements of the region and member unions which was outlined in the 2018 Oceania Rugby annual report.
This included continued successes on the field in both the 15s and 7s form of the game, landmark achievements in the areas of governance, Cathy Wong being appointed to the World Rugby Council and Fiji Rugby and Samoa Rugby Union gaining seats on council.
Within the development and participation area the introduction and piloting of the Get Into Rugby (GIR) Plus programme which builds on World Rugby’s programme with additional life skills, continues the regions’ efforts to use rugby as a tool for bringing all sectors of society together to enjoy the game.
“It was a successful year on the field for Oceania Rugby with our members seeing an increase in international teams and competitions across the region,” Sapias said.