Schools rugby league in giant leap
THE Fiji Secondary Schools Rugby League competition has made giant leaps over the years, starting 16 years ago with only four schools. Today there are 87 teams from 49 schools participating in the competition.
Vodafone chief marketing officer Shailendra Prasad made the statement while speaking as chief guest at the launching of the FSSRL Vodafone Trophy in Suva on Thursday.
Teachers and coaches from schools participating in the competition gathered at the Albert Park ground floor lounge for the occasion.
“This high school competition will put young talented players under the scope of overseas scouts and will hopefully create opportunities for overseas contract,” Prasad said.
He said this was one of the main reasons Vodafone was a sponsor of FSSRL.
He announced that Vodafone was still in the process of renewing their sponsorship agreement with FNRL to make further commitments for the next couple of years.
Meanwhile, FSSRL acting president Naisa Toko said he was grateful to Vodafone for their sponsorship with FSSRL since the beginning.
“We have also received expressions of interest from schools in the West. These schools are Saint Thomas High, Nukulau College, Ba Sanatan and Sigatoka Andra,” he shared.
He said they had also received expressions of interest from schools in the North and plans were underway for their participation.
He says rugby league has given a lot to the country and at the same time Fiji has produced some of the best players in the world. The new season kicks off today.