The Fiji Rugby Union (FRU) has taken a significant leap on the international platform by signing a groundbreaking Memorandum of Understanding with the China Rugby Association, aimed at nurturing local talent through enhanced development pathways.
This historic agreement has already yielded its first major result, as six promising young Fijian players have been awarded prestigious scholarships to pursue their education and rugby careers in China. The FRU Board Chairman expressed excitement about this milestone, viewing it as the commencement of a long-term vision coming to fruition.
“We have finally signed the MOU between the China Rugby Association and the Fiji Rugby Union, and this is the first outcome of that agreement. It has taken a bit of work to get it all signed up, but now it’s in operation and we’re starting to drive results and outcomes,” he stated.
The six scholars left for China on Saturday night, embarking on a four-year educational journey at prominent universities. Alongside their studies, they will also play for the Hua Gang Rugby Club, helping to promote Fiji’s rich rugby culture internationally.
The Chairman encouraged the selected players to fully embrace this dual opportunity in academia and athletics, highlighting that achievements both in school and on the field can lead to promising future prospects.
In addition to these scholarships, the MOU lays the groundwork for further initiatives, indicating an evolving and robust collaboration between Fiji and China in the realm of rugby. The chosen scholars, who shone in the 2025 Vodafone Deans competition, include standout talents such as Iowane Nabe Alowesi Nakarawa, Soko Nawaqatabu, Eroni Seru, Josevata Veibete, Lemeki Ravukivuki, and Vilimoni Taqiri.
This partnership heralds a new era for Fiji Rugby, combining education with international exposure and high-performance development, as the next generation prepares to uphold and advance the nation’s rugby legacy on a global scale. The collaboration not only promises to enhance the skills of these young athletes but also strengthens ties between the two nations, facilitating cross-cultural exchange and mutual growth within the sport.
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