Rooney Riugaemai goes from English non-League football to scoring on Bonitos debut

Rooney Riugaemai’s first senior international match for Solomon Islands ended with a goal as the forward converted a penalty in the Bonitos’ 3-3 draw against Fiji at the MSG Prime Minister’s Cup.

Riugaemai started against the hosts at HFC Bank Stadium in Suva and faced an immediate test in one of the tournament’s most anticipated opening fixtures. Fiji had taken the lead through Roy Krishna, but Solomon Islands were awarded a penalty and Riugaemai showed composure to level the scores.

The goal was a special moment in a football journey that has taken him from lower-level football in England back to the Solomon Islands national team. Riugaemai recently completed a memorable three-year spell with Sussex-based Westfield FC, where he became one of the club’s most influential players.

Westfield confirmed that Riugaemai left with 106 goals in 97 appearances. He played a major part in the club’s successful 2025-26 season, when Westfield won the Mid-Sussex League Premier Division and collected several domestic cup trophies.

After returning to Solomon Islands to reunite with his family, Riugaemai joined Green Shield FC in the S-League. His impact has been immediate. Green Shield are currently leading the domestic league table, while Riugaemai has already scored three times during the campaign.

That domestic form helped create the pathway to his first opportunity with the Bonitos. His story is therefore not simply about returning home after a prolific spell in England; it is about returning home, producing again in the S-League and earning a place on the international stage.

The 3-3 draw against Fiji will be remembered for Solomon Islands’ late comeback, but Riugaemai’s contribution was central. His penalty stopped Fiji from building too much momentum and kept the Bonitos in the match before their strong late finish.

For coach Ben Cahn, Riugaemai’s debut offers another encouraging option in attack. For the player himself, scoring in his first match for Solomon Islands is a perfect beginning to a new chapter.