The East Rennell Rugby Union Association (ERRUA), under the Solomon Islands Rugby Union Federation (SIRUF), successfully held its first-ever Tegano Tamagiki Rakabi Festival over the weekend.

The festival, focused on kids’ rugby development, brought together families, young players, and community leaders in a vibrant celebration of sport, unity, and youth empowerment.

Supported by Solomon Rugby (SIRUF), PacificAus Sports, the Australian High Commission, the New Zealand High Commission, UsoTasi Rugby Club, MAP Pacific, Motawa Enterprises, GAG Enterprise Limited, the Chinese Embassy, Owen Kaye Matenga, and the East Rennell World Heritage Site Association, the event highlighted strong partnerships and community spirit.

ERRUA President Newton Moana expressed heartfelt gratitude to sponsors, partners, and the people of East Rennell for their invaluable contributions to the festival’s success.

“This could not have happened without their support, and we thank them for recognizing the importance of giving back to our communities through sports initiatives like the Tegano Tamagiki Rakabi Festival,” Moana said.

He described the day as “filled with fun and enjoyment for our kids and the wider community,” and confirmed plans to make the festival an annual event.

The president also emphasized that the festival represents the beginning of a long-term vision to use rugby as a platform for youth development and leadership across East Rennell.

“The main purpose of the festival is to engage our youth in community and grassroots sporting activities for fun and participation, while also promoting and developing rugby in East Rennell,” he added.

Reflecting on its success, Moana confirmed that the Tegano Tamagiki Rakabi Festival will now become a regular fixture on East Rennell’s sporting calendar.

By TIMOTHY INIFIRI JNR