Credit Corporation confirms 2027 sponsorship as SIRUF hails another successful season of school rugby development
BY RICHARD MENANOPO
WHITE River Community High School has been crowned the 2026 Credit Corp High School Boys 15s champion after completing an outstanding campaign, as tournament sponsor Credit Corporation Solomon Islands Limited confirmed it will continue backing the competition in 2027.
The announcement was shared by Rakabi Solomons, the official rugby platform administered by the Solomon Islands Rugby Union Federation (SIRUF), following Wednesday’s official prize presentation and closing ceremony at the Town Ground Rugby Stadium grandstand.
White River claimed the prestigious Credit Corp High School 15s Perpetual Shield and the $10,000 championship prize after emerging as the competition’s top team following almost two months of school rugby.
KG VI National Secondary School (Royals) finished runners-up to receive $8,000, while Honiara High School claimed third place ahead of Koloale Community High School.
A number of individual and team awards were also presented, recognising outstanding performances throughout the tournament.
St John’s Community High School’s Lester Fulisao was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player, while Caleb Chow of KG VI Royals received the Best Forward award.
White River’s Genia Tengemoana was recognised as Best Backs Player, Burns Creek’s Dava collected the Rookie of the Tournament award, and St John’s captain Estee Tengemoana was named Best Team Captain.
St John’s team manager Radol Puia received the Best Team Manager award, while St John’s was also recognised as the Most Improved Team. St Nicholas School took home the Fairest Team award.
Representing Credit Corporation SI Ltd, Finance Manager Alafina Katovai congratulated all participating schools, officials and supporters, while reaffirming the company’s commitment to continue sponsoring the championship next year.
She thanked everyone involved in making this year’s competition another memorable success.
Responding on behalf of SIRUF, vice president for development Moses Tepai paid tribute to Credit Corporation for its continued investment in grassroots rugby.
“We are overwhelmingly thankful to Credit Corporation SI Ltd for believing in our young people and providing them with the opportunity to play the game they love through this wonderful initiative,” Tepai said.
“We value this partnership immensely and trust it will continue to grow as we nurture the next generation of rugby players while instilling the rugby core values of respect, discipline, integrity, passion and solidarity.”
Tepai also noted the increased number of schools that participated this year and hopes that even more schools will join the competition in 2027.
He acknowledged the support of tournament partners Enargy Water Ltd, Lol Mart Ltd and Ezmie Co. Ltd, as well as tournament director Sarah Buka, the organising committee, participating schools, coaches, officials, volunteers, parents and supporters for helping deliver another successful championship.
Tepai also encouraged members of the national Under-17 squad, whose planned participation at the Dakar Youth Olympic Games was cancelled, to remain prepared as SIRUF explores the possibility of sending the team to Fiji, subject to confirmation.
The 2026 Credit Corp High School Boys 15s competition began in early May with six schools competing over nearly two months of rugby at Town Ground Rugby Stadium.
The tournament forms part of SIRUF’s long-term youth development pathway, providing young players with opportunities to develop their skills while promoting discipline, teamwork and sportsmanship.
White River Community High School capped a dominant campaign by capturing the championship, while Credit Corporation SI Ltd’s commitment to continue its sponsorship into 2027 ensures the competition will remain a key platform to develop the next generation of Solomon Islands rugby talent.
Photo: Supplied
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