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It’s proving to a busy time for the Solomon Islands rugby currently with the weekend’s completion of an inaugural women’s competition and the men participating in the Mini-Pacific Games this Thursday and Friday.

The women's event was organised by the Solomon Islands Rugby Union Development Department for interested women’s rugby teams in Honiara.

The competition is part of the ongoing development programs of SIRUF that is geared towards encouraging interested women to play rugby and in particular Sevens.

The first match was between Henderson Hammer Heads and Royals Blue and saw many of the women play contact rugby for the first time in the 5-5 draw.

“This is the first time ever for women of the country to play in an organized rugby tackle competition and although our women had been playing rugby tackle at some form in the past the match last Friday marks the birth of rugby tackle for women in Solomon Islands."

“From observation there is great potential for the code to excel among our females, because already a lot of our girls and women do have the skills and attribute relevant for the game that only need good coaching," said an official from the SIRFU.

Other objectives of the concept is to create an avenue where women can get together to socialise, play and gain enjoyment in rugby-oriented environment. Furthermore the union hope that these competitions can provide a platform where national women’s rugby teams will be picked from for future regional and international tournaments.

The games will continue next Friday. So far three teams had registered for the trial competition with a fourth team that is still to confirm.

Meanwhile Solomon’s Island Men are competing in Rugby Sevens as part of the VII Mini Pacific Games. Coached by Jim Seuika they will face a tough task in stopping the likes of Fiji and Samoa, heavy favourites for the Gold Medal.

Solomon Islands Mini Pacific Games Squad:
Edmond Angikianga , Felix Kaitu'u, Harris Taimamao Giusanga, Joseph Masikwai, Kamux Linton Kamukega, Leon Hatigeva, Metcalf Sa'atai, Robert Manguangai, Roman Tongaka, Stewart Ba'iabe, Vivi Frank Kelesi , William Kivo Mohu.

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