Solomon Islands to Host Oceania Rugby 7s

A historic moment for rugby in the Pacific region has arrived, as the Solomon Islands government, together with Oceania Rugby and the Solomon Islands Rugby Union, jointly announced that the 2024 Oceania Rugby Sevens Championship will be held in Honiara from December 7th to 8th. This marks the first time that this top-tier rugby event is being held outside of Fiji, New Zealand, Australia, and Samoa, and it is another major event following the successful hosting of the 2023 Pacific Games in Honiara.

With the support of the national government, the Solomon Islands Rugby Union will host this highly anticipated event, signifying the country's growing influence in the regional sports scene. The event will attract top rugby talent from across the Pacific and beyond, and will serve as a crucial qualifier for global tournaments, with two men’s teams and one women’s team qualifying for the World Rugby Sevens Challenger Series.

The Prime Minister of the Solomon Islands, the Honorable Jeremiah Manele, expressed his pride in the announcement, noting the significance of hosting such a major international event. “The Solomon Islands Government is very honored to partner with Oceania Rugby to host this event in Honiara in December 2024. The government will do its utmost to ensure this is a successful and memorable event. The Solomon Islands is proud to be part of the Oceania family, and I look forward to working closely with Oceania Rugby and to further strengthening and developing this relationship,” said Prime Minister Manele.

Oceania Rugby Chairman Richard Sapias emphasized the importance of expanding the Championship’s reach to new host nations like the Solomon Islands. “We extend our deepest gratitude to the Solomon Islands Government for their extraordinary vision and foresight in bringing the Oceania Rugby Sevens Championship to Honiara. Their strong belief in the power of sport and their commitment to investing in rugby is a testament to their dedication to growing the game in the Pacific. This partnership is a testament to their leadership, and we are excited to see how this event will inspire future generations of rugby players in the Pacific,” said Chairman Sapias.

Oceania Rugby General Manager Frank Puletua praised the Solomon Islands’ commitment to rugby and sporting excellence. “It’s truly special to bring all these teams to the Solomon Islands, a land with such deep historical significance. It’s a place where many nations have clashed, but now, through the unifying power of sport, we come together. Hosting the Oceania Rugby Sevens Championship here is not just about celebrating rugby; it’s about bringing the game back to its roots in the Pacific Islands. It’s an opportunity to commemorate our shared history while showcasing the strength of our region through the game of Rugby Sevens – a sport that unites us all,” said General Manager Puletua.

The Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Solomon Islands Rugby Union, the Honorable George Temahu, expressed his excitement for the upcoming Championship and its significance for the local rugby community. “Hosting the Oceania Rugby Sevens Championship is a dream come true for Solomon Islands Rugby. This event is not only a moment of pride for our nation, but also a golden opportunity for our players, fans, and the entire country. We are ready to welcome the Pacific rugby family to Honiara and demonstrate our ability to host such a prestigious event. We sincerely thank the Solomon Islands Government for their unwavering commitment to the development of rugby in our nation. We believe this will inspire a new generation of rugby talent in the Solomon Islands and solidify our place in the Pacific rugby landscape,” said the Honorable Temahu.

The 2024 Oceania Rugby Sevens Championship will take place on December 7th and 8th, bringing together teams from across the region to compete for qualification to the World Rugby Sevens Challenger Series. The Championship offers two men’s teams and one women’s team the opportunity to compete on the global stage, further enhancing its significance for Pacific rugby and the Solomon Islands on the international sporting map.