Mataiasi Stark 
[Photo: File]
The inaugural Nasoko Franchise Competition is about more than identifying Fiji’s next generation of rugby talent, says Fiji Secondary Schools Rugby Union Vice President Development, Biu Colati.
Colati says the programme has attracted support from regional and international partners who will assist not only with the rugby component, but also with education and player development initiatives.
“This franchise is also in collaboration with our partners from all parts of the Pacific and we have also been informed that there are partners from around the world who are here to help in the running of Nasoko, and also in the education side of it.”
Beyond the matches on the field, Colati says the tournament provides a valuable opportunity for rugby administrators from the four zones to come together and assess the state of schools rugby in Fiji.
“This is also an opportune time for all the executives of the four zones to come together and review the competition which takes place every year, which we know as the Deans competition.”
Colati says that combination of talent identification, education and competition review captures the wider purpose of the Nasoko initiative.
“That is precisely what the Nasoko initiative is all about.”
The competition features Under-16 and Under-18 boys’ and girls’ teams from the North, East, West and South zones and will be used to help identify future Fiji Secondary Schools representatives.
