Saint Joseph’s College, Church College Vaiola, Avele College, Falealili College, Itu O Tane College, Wesley College, Leulumoega-Fou College and Matafa’awe College have made it into the quarter-finals of the U18 boys division of the Secondary Schools Sevens Championship.

The knockout stages start on Thursday across various age divisions in girls and boys divisions. 

Maletina Tonia’i, a single mother who attended to watch her daughter’s game, said, “I feel so happy and blessed watching my child play today. My child plays at Palalaua College under-14 girls rugby team. This is a proud moment for our family, and we are truly grateful for opportunities like this where they can showcase their talent and enjoy the game.”

Sione Tuaina said, “My husband and I are so happy for our children. Our firstborn Tema and our youngest daughter named Serah played for Pesega College and our eldest son played in the Under 18 men division. Our youngest daughter played in under 14 girls division."

In the U18 boys division, eight teams have qualified for the quarterfinals after finishing in the top two of their respective pools. The qualified teams are Saint Joseph’s College (1st) and Church College Vaiola (2nd) from Pool A; Avele College (1st) and Falealili College (2nd) from Pool B; Itu O Tane College (1st) and Wesley College (2nd) from Pool C; and Leulumoega-Fou College (1st) and Matafa’awe College (2nd) from Pool D.

In the U16 boys division, eight teams have also advanced to the quarterfinal stage. These are Vaialua College (1st) and Nuuausala College (2nd) from Pool A; Vaimauga College (1st) and Church College Vaiola (2nd) from Pool B; Palauli College (1st) and Falealili College (2nd) from Pool C; and Leulumoega-Fou College (1st) and Tuasivi College (2nd) from Pool D.

In the U16 girls division, six teams have qualified for the knockout rounds. These are Wesley College (1st) and Church College Vaiola (2nd) from Pool A; Leulumoega-Fou College (1st) and Amo No. 2 College (2nd) from Pool B; and Aana No. 1 College (1st) and Itu O Tane College (2nd) from Pool C.

Matches will continue on Thursday, with several key fixtures scheduled at Wesley College Field starting from 08:00 AM. In the U18 boys division, Saint Joseph’s College will face Falealili College at 08:00 AM, followed by Leulumoega-Fou College against Wesley College at 09:00 AM. Cup semi-finals for the U18 girls division are set for 12:00 PM, before the U18 boys cup final takes place at 03:00 PM. Additional matches include Itu O Tane College against Wesley College in the U14 girls division at Punaoa College Field at 08:00 AM.

The knockout stage is expected to be highly competitive as schools prepare for the final push toward championship honours.