BY DESMONS RAHE
The Solomon Islands Rugby Union Federation (SIRUF) has announced bold plans to expand rugby programs in high schools over the next few years, marking a significant step forward for youth sports development in the country.
During a signing ceremony held on Friday, 29 August 2025 at the Town Ground Rugby Stadium, SIRUF signed an agreement with Credit Corporation Solomon Islands Ltd to support this year’s Under-20, Secondary School Boys 15s Rugby Competition 2025.
SIRUF Secretary Francis Dugan said the upcoming tournament, scheduled for Friday, 5th September 2025, will initially focus on boys under the age of 20 in the 15s Competition 2025.
“This coming high school rugby is only for Under-20, and we are only involving boys,” Dugan said during the event at the Town Ground conference room.
The partnership with Credit Corporation is being seen as a major milestone in the journey to grow rugby at the school level.
“This signing is very important to the development of rugby sport in our country,” Dugan explained. “Over the next three to five years, we are hoping to involve more schools in Honiara and also include girls in the competition.”
Dugan noted that while this year’s event is limited in scope, the long-term goal is to build a strong foundation for rugby in schools across the Solomon Islands.
“We are going to strengthen our relationship with schools so that school rugby can grow stronger,” he said. “We want more young people to become interested in playing rugby and for more communities to appreciate the sport as something that can grow from our schools.”
He also hinted at expanding the program beyond the capital.
“Our intention is to grow rugby into more schools, especially those that are interested in joining the high school rugby program,” Dugan shared.
Credit Corporation Solomon Islands Ltd expressed their commitment to youth and sports development through this partnership, signaling a shared vision to uplift grassroots rugby and encourage positive youth engagement.
With plans in place and partnerships secured, SIRUF is set to take high school rugby to new heights—laying the groundwork for the next generation of rugby talent in the Solomon Islands.
