New Zealand’s South Island United Football Club has announced the signing of 22-year-old Solomon Islands international Rovu Boyers ahead of the inaugural OFC Professional League, which kicks off on January 17 in Auckland, New Zealand.
Boyers becomes the club’s 19th signing, strengthening the Christchurch-based side as they prepare to make their debut in the region’s first-ever professional league.
The club has already secured several high-profile signings earlier this month as it builds a competitive squad for the historic tournament.
The move also sees Boyers become the third Solomon Islands player to be signed by overseas clubs for the OFC Pro League, following John Orobulu and Leon Kofana, who are already with the PNG Hekari United FC squad.
The Solomon Islands number 10 enjoyed an impressive 2024 season, playing a key role in West Adelaide SC’s promotion to the South Australian National Premier League (NPL), where he scored 12 goals during the campaign.
Born in Munda, Boyers began his football journey with Marist FC Academy and West Honiara FC, later known as Royals Football Academy.
In 2018, he left the country to pursue football abroad, starting his development with Stars Football Academy before moving on to several non-league clubs in England, including Eastbourne United AFC, Hollington FC, and Eastbourne Borough U23s.
He later joined Greek club Episkopi in 2022 before signing with Swedish side Syrianska the following year.
Boyers made his international debut for the Solomon Islands in November 2024 during the FIFA World Cup qualifiers against New Caledonia, quickly establishing himself as a regular member of the national squad.
Meanwhile, South Island United will open their OFC Pro League campaign against Auckland FC on January 17 in an all-New Zealand clash at Eden Park.
By TIMOTHY INIFIRI JNR
Solomon Star, Honiara
Photo caption: Solomon Islands’ number 10, Rovu Boyers set to join New Zealand’s South Island United.
