White River School reigns in SIRUF U-17
BY RICHARD MENANOPO
Fast-paced rugby action and rising young talent were on full display as White River Community High School emerged the standout performers at the Solomon Islands Rugby Union Federation (SIRUF) Under-17 High School Easter Rugby 7s tournament, clinching both the boys’ and girls’ titles when the two-day competition concluded in Honiara on Thursday.
White River CHS defeated Honiara High School 15–5 in the boys grand-final to secure the championship, while their girls side delivered a commanding performance to overwhelm Woodford International School 34–0 in the girls final.
The tournament, organised by the Solomon Islands Rugby Union Federation, brought together eight boys teams and four girls teams from various high schools, highlighting the growing popularity of rugby among young players across the country.
Tournament coordinator Freda Matangi said the competition served an important purpose beyond school rivalry.
“This U17 tournament was hosted following discussions between our partners because Solomon Islands has qualified for the Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, Senegal later this year,” Matangi explained.
She said the event was specifically designed to identify promising young players who will be selected into a training squad preparing for the international tournament.
“We will select the top players from both divisions and begin preparations for the Youth Olympic Games,” she said.
While youth rugby competitions have been organised in previous years, Matangi noted that earlier tournaments were usually played in older age categories.
“In the past we hosted tournaments for under-18, under-19 and under-20 players, but this one was restricted to under-17 players to meet the eligibility requirements for the Youth Olympic Games,” she added.
The boys’ competition featured two pools of four teams before progressing into knockout rounds, while the girls’ teams competed in a round-robin format before advancing to the finals.
According to Matangi, the level of competition throughout the tournament was intense, with several teams demonstrating strong performances.
“White River were very strong throughout the competition, and Woodford International School girls also surprised many teams by reaching the final in their first appearance,” she said.
The tournament also emphasised rugby’s core values of respect, discipline, integrity, passion and solidarity, which organisers say are important lessons for young players both on and off the field.
The event received support from partners including Oceania Rugby, the National Olympic Committee of Solomon Islands and the Solomon Islands National Sports Council, along with several local businesses that contributed prizes and refreshments.
Looking ahead, Matangi said a training squad will soon be announced, with another tournament scheduled for June to finalise the national team preparing for the Youth Olympic Games.
Photo: Supplied
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