Lautoka Hockey Association Unveils Ambitious Plan for a Pacific Club Hockey Tournament

Lautoka is positioning itself at the centre of a new era for regional hockey, with the Lautoka Hockey Association (LHA) initiating plans to launch the Pacific Club Hockey Tournament, a major five-day event that aims to bring together the best clubs from across Oceania. If approved, it will become one of the largest club-level hockey tournaments in the Pacific Islands, drawing an estimated 3,000 athletes, officials and supporters to Fiji.

The inaugural event is proposed for Lautoka, with matches to be played on grass. However, turf remains an option, as it is the preferred playing surface internationally due to its speed, smoothness and consistency. “For a tournament of this scale, we want the best possible experience for the athletes,” an LHA official noted. If turf is selected as the playing surface, Suva will be the likely venue.

A Pacific Line-Up

The tournament structure paints a bold picture of inclusiveness and regional growth, with participation open to elite clubs from across the Pacific.

Mens Division – 24 Teams

    • Australia: 6 clubs

    • New Zealand: 6 clubs

    • Tonga, Samoa, Vanuatu, Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea: 1 club each

    • Host City (Lautoka, Fiji): 7 clubs 

Womens Division – 16 Teams

    • Australia: 4 clubs

    • New Zealand: 4 clubs

    • Samoa, Tonga, Vanuatu, Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea: 1 club each

    • Host City (Lautoka, Fiji): 3 clubs

Masters Division – 12 Men’s & 12 Women’s Teams

    • Host City (Lautoka, Fiji): 2 clubs each for men and women

    • Australia: 4 clubs each for both men and women

    • New Zealand: 4 clubs each for both men and women

    • Combined Pacific Islands (Samoa, Tonga, Vanuatu, Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea): 2 clubs for men and 2 clubs for women

The wide geographic spread highlights the growing influence of hockey across the Pacific. It also reflects LHA’s commitment to building pathways, strengthening people-to-people links and creating a festival-like environment that celebrates both sport and culture.

A Three-Year Cycle to Ensure Quality and Avoid Clashes

LHA has proposed that the tournament be held every three years to provide sufficient time for countries to plan, fundraise and prepare their squads. This cycle also ensures the event does not clash with major regional competitions such as the Pacific Games.

To begin the process, LHA will be sending its proposal to District and State Associations overseas, inviting interested clubs to submit an Expression of Interest. This will enable LHA to begin formal planning and move the project into its next phase.

Strengthening Visibility Through a New Website

LHA has also recently launched its official website, a move that has significantly strengthened the Association’s visibility and online presence. With a dedicated platform now in place, overseas districts and association’s view LHA as a more credible, organised and forward-looking body. The website allows international clubs to easily access information, follow updates and engage directly with the Association, marking an important step in LHA’s efforts to build stronger regional connections.

Sports Tourism at the Heart of the Vision

The tournament is designed not only as a sporting spectacle, but also as a catalyst for sports tourism in Fiji.

LHA plans to collaborate closely with Fiji Tourism, along with major hotels and resorts, to create competitive packages for travelling teams. These packages will cover accommodation for the tournament week, as well as an optional additional week of sightseeing and adventure tourism, giving visitors the opportunity to experience Fiji’s oceans, islands, cultural sites and hospitality.

With an estimated 3,000 visitors, the economic impact is expected to be significant. Local businesses, from accommodation to restaurants to transport operators and tourism activity services stand to benefit from increased foreign exchange inflows.

Carnival Atmosphere and a Grand Finale

LHA intends to give the event a uniquely Fijian character. The final day will feature a grand presentation ceremony, followed by a gala dinner and cocktail night. Some of Fiji’s biggest bands are expected to perform, setting the tone for a vibrant and festive celebration.

“We want teams to compete at the highest level, but also experience the warmth, music and hospitality that Fiji is known for,” an LHA organiser said.

A New Regional Tradition in the Making

If brought to life, the Pacific Club Hockey Tournament will mark a turning point for the sport in the region, elevating standards, strengthening partnerships and promoting Fiji as a premier sporting destination.

For the Lautoka Hockey Association, this is more than a tournament. It is a long-term vision to unite the Pacific, grow the game and showcase Fiji on an international stage.