The Labasa Town Council (LTC) has expressed their interest to host this year’s Ratu Sukuna Bowl challenge at Subrail Park.

LTC special administrator, Samuela Ligairi, told SUNsports that they want to host this challenge match for the first-time.

The Ratu Sukuna Bowl is the annual rugby challenge match between Police and the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF). The challenge began in 1951.

Ligairi said they have the relevant sporting infrastructure to host the challenge with the aim to draw a good crowd.

“We want Northerners to get a taste of what the Ratu Sukuna Bowl rugby is all about as they always watch it on television,” he said.

We’re working on our bid to host the event.

Ligairi said they have the ability to host such big games and only they require some improvements to the current playing pitch and they will be alright.

The Fiji Football Association is holding their Battle of the Giants tournament at Subrail Park in August.

Ligairi emphasised that Northerners should be given an opportunity to host such sporting events like the B.O.G and the Rau Sukuna Bowl to promote sports tourism.

“We want to encourage sports enthusiast to enjoy major events in our town.”

The LTC’s Subrail Park has already hosted major sporting events like the B.O.G, Fiji FACT, Skipper Cup, Extra Premier League and Inter-District Championship.

Ligairi said LTC had invested $250,000 last year in preparations for the Fiji FACT.

The floodlight upgrade was installed at a cost of $40,000 with floodlights being imported.

Ligairi said they have requested Government for funds from the 2025/26 National Budget to upgrade Subrail Park.

He emphasised for more business stakeholder engagements with LTC to help improve the facilities.

“We had stakeholders such as business and religious institutions helping paint the pavilions during the Fiji FACT,” he said.

Ligairi believes Labasa’s sporting landscape is growing and more sporting bodies are now showing interest to have games played at the park.

Feedback: sampras.anand@fijisun.com.fj