On Saturday 25 November, the Bula Cup was held at Comely Banks Reserve in Officer with hundreds of people coming from near and far to compete in this Australian-first Rugby Cup.
The festival saw both Rugby League and Rugby Union (men and women) coming together in a national-first tournament held in Officer at the home of the Pakenham Eels Rugby League Club.
It was organised by the Fijian Community Association Victoria, which alongside the tournament also held food and craft stalls as well as live performances celebrating multiculturalism brought through all things rugby.
The tournament held competitions in both Rugby Union 7s and Rugby League 9s in Mens Seniors, while Rugby League 9s were held in Women’s Seniors.
The Victorian Barbarians took home the trophy for Mens 7s, while Fijian Melbourne Rugby League were winners for Men 9s. The Victorian Kulawai team took the win for Womens 9s.
Winners received $2000 cash and runners-up received $500.
This event was backed by Cardinia Shire Council, Rugby VIC, NRL Vic, Pakenham Eels Club and the State Government who contributed $25,000 through a Small and Medium Events Program grant.
President of Fijian Community Association Sylvia Coombe and a big team of volunteers made the day a great success, while Rugby Vic president Neil Hay and NRL’s Victorian operations manager Scott McNaughton were there too.
Pakenham MP Emma Vulin, South Eastern Metropolitan MP Lee Talarmis and Cardinia Shire mayor Jack Kowarzik also attended, enjoying this momentous occasion for the local area.
