The Fiji Primary Schools Rugby Union (FPSRU) has introduced girl’s rugby for the time at the national Kaji competition which started yesterday after a lapse of five years.

More than 3,000 rugby players in the in the Under 13 and 14 grades are part of the three-day Vodafone Kaji and Kajiana tournament at the HFC Bank Stadium, Suva.

U9-U12 grades played at their respective districts.

This was confirmed by President Sakiusa Turagabeci.

He said the FPSRU was the biggest union in Fiji with according to the number of players registered; 22,00 boys and 11,000 girls registered from Under 9-14.

“We are thankful that we are laying out the platform for rugby in regards to development,” he said.

“We play the first move in rugby, we give them the first step and unfortunately accolades go to top but we are thankful for this moment.

“This is their moment. We have the chance time, and moment, so we are taking it all.”

He added that most of the districts did not show up because they did not meet certain requirements set by the FPSRU.

The few requirements included submission of their financial acquittal report, games and injury report and all coaches’ needs to have Level 1 coaching accreditation from World Rugby.

“Out of the 39 districts, 17 met the criteria – most have complied and are working on their coaching accreditation,” Turagabeci said.

Districts participated included Taveuni, Waidina, Suva (Blues and Whites), Rewa, Ra, Ovalau, Northland, Nadroga, Navosa, Tailevu, Cakaudrove, Serua, Ba, Wainimala and Highlanders.

He indicated that a major challenge was the geographical location of primary schools around the country and unavailability of communication network; word on the requirement did not reach them on time hence the late submissions.

He is optimistic that they will all make it next year.

“One thing about us is that we may not be front page news. We may not be as glamorous as Deans rugby but every time a Fiji rugby team lifts a cup overseas all the primary school teaches around Fiji say thank you because they know this is where we it all began.”

FPSRU is grateful to Vodafone for covering all transportation costs, shuttle buses every day and the jerseys.

“Team will only need to feed themselves, we are trying our very best that one day the cost of rugby will be free.

Turagabeci also acknowledged Fiji 7s men’s head coach Osea Kolinisau for being their chief guest yesterday.

“Many kids saw his for the first and they were quite emotional,” he added.

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