BY ELTON LONARATHA JNR
TWO players from Islanders Rugby Club (RC) departed yesterday to link up with Fiji-based teammates ahead of the Marist 7s tournament this weekend in Suva.
Larvensterr Tongaka Puia and Ritchie Kaisangage will feature for Islanders Brothers RC in the highly anticipated competition, strengthening a squad that includes 13 Fiji-based players.
Islanders RC manager Derek Pongi said the club had initially hoped to send more Honiara-based players but was limited by financial constraints.
“We planned to send more players, but due to costs we could only manage two,” Pongi said.
He acknowledged the support of sponsor Alex Zheng of Chengs Hardware and Construction, who funded the team’s registration fee.
Pongi added that the club is covering airfares, transport, and meals, while accommodation arrangements have been made by their Fiji-based players.
The manager also called on supporters in Suva to rally behind the team during the tournament.
Meanwhile, several Fiji-based players in the squad have a history with Islanders RC, having previously represented the club in tournaments such as the Raka 7s, Marist 7s, and Soltuna 7s in Honiara since 2017.
Puia and Kaisangage are expected to play key roles in the men’s competition, which kicks off tomorrow and concludes on Sunday.
The Marist 7s 2026 is set to kick off at HFC Bank Stadium on Thursday 26th to Saturday 28th March 2026. A total of 130 teams are competing across five divisions.
Photo credit: Derek Pongi
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