19 May Waya Island Rumble 2025
We were lucky to be in Yalobi Village on Waya Island just in time for the semi-finals of the island’s annual rugby championship. It was one of the most fun and energetic days we’ve had here.
The matches were held at the local boarding school, which brings together students from all seven villages on the island. While the school serves the whole island, only four villages were taking part in the rugby semi-finals. Still, it felt like just about everyone showed up to watch.
By midday, pangas started pulling up on the beach, dropping off loads of people from the other villages.
“The competition arrives”
Some had 15 or 20 people packed in—kids, grandparents, fans, players. As soon as they hit the sand, everyone headed straight up to the school field. It didn’t take long before the sidelines were full.
“The whole village showed up to support their team”
“The VIP Box seats”
“The Pre-Game Blessing”
People gathered in little groups, found shade where they could, and got ready to cheer. The field was surrounded—no fences, no bleachers—just everyone standing around the edge watching and shouting for their teams.
“Stacy Kimmey – SV Flying Free – Hanging with the kids”
The games were fast, physical, and full of big hits and big plays. The crowd was loud—cheering, laughing, reacting to every try and tackle. You could tell how much pride people had in their village teams, but it never felt too serious. It was competitive, but it was also fun.
“Mid game scrum for the win!”
One of the best parts? The teasers. Each village has one woman chosen to be the official teaser. Every time her team scores, she runs out onto the field and lets the other team have it. Not mean, just hilarious. Dancing, pointing, yelling playful insults, really putting on a show. The crowd loved it. Even the players cracked up.
There wasn’t much structure to the event—no announcements, no schedules posted, no food stalls or formal seating. Just rugby, people, and a whole lot of cheering. And honestly, it didn’t need anything else.
Spending the day there, right in the mix with everyone, was a blast. It was simple, real, and full of good energy.
Rugby day on Waya isn’t just about the sport—it’s about the island coming together. We were glad to be a part of it.
Michone Walker
Posted at 21:51h, 19 MayWonderful
Doug Cole
Posted at 22:09h, 19 MayHi Don,
I enjoyed your previous post on the busted Lister-powered light plan and wondered if you were able to make any headway. It looked pretty desperate.
Chris Clothier
Posted at 22:44h, 19 MayLove the Rugby event. How special to be there. Thank you for dharing
Milt & Judy Baker
Posted at 23:58h, 19 MayLooks like you Starr crewmembers are immersed in the Fiji culture right up to your eyeballs.
And ain’t that what cruising is all about!
Good on ya!
Andrew Howard
Posted at 00:56h, 20 MayWow Don, what a cool experience. Glad you were there to see the rugby event. Thanks for sharing.
SONJA NIKEL
Posted at 01:08h, 20 MayLove the idea of those teasers! I’m trying to picture how that would go down in our culture 🙂 Thanks for sharing Patrick.
HR NICHOLSON
Posted at 02:31h, 20 MayThe rugby match was very interesting.
. However, did I miss it somewhere along the way but what is the status of the generator?
Peter & Luuk Oleson
Posted at 02:43h, 20 MayIt’s really fun to be able to share vicariously your adventures. Mahalo.
Peter & Luuk
Luuk Oleson
Posted at 02:57h, 20 MayThe teasers – you should have brought along some pompoms;).
Love the post, and the photos.