The Tabuya Shield will be contested by the finalists of the Southern Zone Under-18 teams. The shield which was officially handed to the Southern Zone committee last Saturday by Member of Parliament Lynda Tabuya, is a powerful tribute to both family legacy and the future of Fijian rugby. The newly established shield honours the late Jone Tabuya, who was a member of the victorious Marist Brothers High School rugby team of 1968. The presentation marks not only a commemoration of his contribution to the sport but also the continuation of the Tabuya family’s enduring commitment to rugby development, particularly in their home province of Kadavu. Tabuya, who currently serves as president of the Kadavu Rugby Union, holds the distinction of being the first woman to lead a provincial rugby union under the Fiji Rugby Union. Her leadership and advocacy for grassroots rugby have been instrumental in driving youth engagement and community empowerment through sport. “This shield is more than a trophy,” Tabuya said during the handover ceremony. “It is a symbol of legacy, opportunity, and the belief that rugby can be a path to personal and professional growth.” Beyond her father’s achievements on the field, Tabuya highlighted his post-rugby journey as an accountant, using it as an example for young Fijians. She encouraged aspiring athletes—both male and female—not only to pursue excellence on the rugby field but also to embrace educational and career opportunities that will allow them to become productive, healthy citizens. “With this shield, we honour the past while investing in the future,” she said. “My father’s story is proof that rugby can be a platform for broader success.” The Tabuya Shield is set to become a prestigious symbol in youth rugby circles, carrying with it a powerful message: the values of discipline, teamwork, and commitment on the field can translate into lifelong success off it. Southern zone president Rusiate Wadali said they’re proposing to have the Tabuya Shield contested weekly in next year’s competition. Feedback: sosiveta.korobiau@fijisun.com.fj