The Fiji Rugby Union has formally approved a proposal to launch a Fijian Latui-branded side aimed at breaking into the European rugby market, marking the first board-level sign-off on an initiative the union says will build a new high-performance pathway for local players. The approval, while subject to final legal and structural arrangements, signals an ambition to create a platform that both develops domestic talent and raises Fiji’s commercial and competitive profile in world rugby.
FRU chief executive Koli Sewabu confirmed the board’s backing and said work is already under way to assemble a competitive squad drawn from Fiji’s top domestic pool. “We’re looking at the Latui or whatever brand that we will decide on, which will go into the European market,” Sewabu told reporters, indicating the name and formal entity remain to be finalised. The project team will now move to sort governance, legal and commercial frameworks before the Latui concept can be rolled out overseas.
A central aim of the proposed side is to target players who are on the cusp of securing overseas contracts — particularly those close to breaking into France’s Pro D2 and Top 14 competitions — giving them a stepping stone to showcase their skills against European opposition. Sewabu said this focus is intended both to fast-track promising players into the professional ranks and to increase their visibility to European clubs and agents.
In the short term, the FRU’s immediate objective is to organise a series of exhibition matches abroad to test the concept and to begin attracting potential investors. Sewabu described those fixtures as a way to “test the concept” and build commercial interest, with match opportunities viewed as both a performance trial and a shop window for players. Details on opponents, locations and timing have not yet been announced while contractual and logistical preparations continue.
The board’s approval arrives at a moment when European club competitions remain among the most financially attractive destinations for Pacific Island talent. By proactively creating a branded pathway, the FRU aims to better manage player trajectories, retain stronger ties with domestic systems and capture some of the commercial upside that currently flows through overseas agents and clubs. FRU officials have framed the Latui project as complementary to existing national-team programs rather than a replacement.
Legal and structural finalisation will determine whether the Latui operates as a touring representative side, a feeder club, or another form of entity that can legally compete and contract in Europe. Sewabu said those questions are being worked through, including investor arrangements, governance safeguards and protections for player welfare and clearances. The union has not provided a timeline for those decisions.
If the concept proceeds as intended, the Fijian Latui could provide a nearer-term professional option for domestic standouts while strengthening Fiji’s influence in the international club game. For now, the board’s approval is the latest development that moves the plan from idea to implementation — the next visible steps will be the announcement of exhibition fixtures and the legal structure that will underpin the venture.