THE Suva Volleyball Association (SVA) has been re-included in the Vulaca Championship which will be played on February 15 and 16.
Host Raiwai Volleyball Association (RVA) reconsidered the champion side after it pulled out of annual event because of conflicting participation rules.
Raiwai stated only two men's and two women's teams can participate in the Vulaca Championship which resulted in Suva withdrawing itself from the Vanua Challenge qualifiers.
However Suva finally got their way in after Raiwai agreed to allow the capital city side to field four men's and two women's team in Vulaca.
RVA president Francis Lanyon told Times Sport the decision was made following a meeting with the Suva volleyball executives on Friday.
"Suva showed interest in re-joining the tournament despite previously stating otherwise and we considered their request," Lanyon said.
"Basically there is no tournament played without the defending champion because it will be like bread without any butter.
"Suva being the defending champions has to be in the tournament to make it more competitive."
Lanyon said they would reveal more on Suva's inclusion in the upcoming week.
SVA technical advisor Iliesa Raketekete thanked RVA for accepting Suva back in the tournament.
Meanwhile, champion Marist Blue started the round three of the SVA weekly competition on high claiming the FBC Super Premier challenge cup from Marist Red 3-2 at the LICI Multipurpose courts yesterday.
In the premier challenge, Legal Patriot formed by employees of the Fiji government legal department defeated Tamavua Celtics II 3-1 to retain the title.
Raketekete was impressed with the turnout and the competition level.