FRU launches women’s competition
THE Fiji Rugby Union yesterday launched the Ranadi Cup competition which serves as the women’s Tier 2 rugby competition.
FRU chief executive officer John O’Connor said it was a privilege to introduce the Fiji Rugby Ranadi Cup competition which now sets the platform and pathway for women’s rugby in Fiji.
The Ranadi Cup will have 16 provincial teams battle it out on a weekly home and away basis in a round-robin format before the semi-finals and final.
During the launch, he also revealed major sponsor CJ Patel and acknowleged the organisation for coming onboard to sponsor the competition which will now be called the ‘Royal Tea Fiji Rugby Ranadi Cup’.
“We are excited that Royal Tea has come onboard to be the new sponsor of the Ranadi Cup. This is the turning point for women’s rugby in Fiji,” he said.
“This creates a pathway for every girl playing rugby in Fiji, from Kaji, to the Raluve competition in secondary school, to the Randi competition, the Marama competition, the Fijiana 7s, Fijiana Drua and ultimately to the Fijiana XV.”
CJ Patel group marketing manager Ashwin Prasad said: “We understand the need to develop grassroots rugby and more importantly, women’s rugby. The Royal Tea Ranadi Cup sponsorship will help drive development of Women in rugby and help transition talent to premier level as they progress.
“We believe that development and support must start from grassroots and we have proven this with our eight-year strong commitment in Skipper Provincial Cup and now we start another long term journey with the Royal Tea Ranadi Cup.”
The 16 particpating unions have been divided into four pools of four — the Northern pool consists of Bua, Cakaudrove, Macuata and Rewa. Eastern pool will be between Vatukoula, Tavua, Ra and Nanukuloa. The Central pool has Northland, Ovalau, Northern Bulls and Serua while the Western pool comprises of Lautoka, Yasawa, Malolo and Navosa.
The opening round of the competition kicks off today with eight matches.