Fiji Rugby Union (FRU) is placing a renewed emphasis on earning Tier One status as the sport’s development takes center stage at Suva’s inaugural rugby symposium. FRU chair John Sanday told reporters that the gathering is designed to map a clear path to rugby’s top echelons, stressing that the nation’s long-term goal remains a World Cup title.
We’re on this journey to Tier 1. That’s the most important thing. We’re going to get there, and we’re going to win the World Cup.
Sanday also underscored Fiji’s proud rugby heritage while acknowledging that today’s game requires stronger structures and greater investment. He noted that rugby has evolved into full-time work not only for players but also for coaches, trainers, and other professionals, and that building a solid foundation is essential to turning Fiji into champions.
Nowadays it’s a full-time career not only as a player but as a coach, a trainer, and more. We want to build the foundation that will make us world champions.
The symposium this week brings together unions, clubs, officials, and other stakeholders to chart strategies around player welfare, development pathways, and funding. The goal is to transition Fiji from a global fan favorite into one of the sport’s elite forces.
In related developments, FRU has been active on several fronts that align with the symposium’s ambitions. At the recent FRU Annual General Meeting, discussions highlighted plans to secure sponsorships that would enable Fiji to benefit from gate-revenue shares on away games against top teams in the Northern Hemisphere. There is also talk of a September trip to the Northern Hemisphere to advance those sponsorship efforts.
The AGM also showcased a healthy financial picture, with a reported 2024 profit of $105,962 on revenue of $29 million, a figure seen as a solid foundation for future development. Lailanie Burnes, a former national captain, was appointed to the FRU board, with Sanday praising her experience in rugby and marketing. Attendees flagged a need to boost marketing for domestic competitions such as the Skipper and Vodafone Vanua Cup, recognizing that stronger local interest can translate into better funding and backing for unions.
Other topics on the table included plans for high-performance centers, the potential construction of a new FRU stadium, and ongoing preparations for the upcoming rugby symposium. Taken together, these initiatives illustrate a comprehensive push to strengthen talent pipelines, upgrade infrastructure, and secure financial stability to support Fiji’s ascent to tier one.
The overarching message from these discussions is clear: a unified, better-governed FRU, backed by stronger finances and deeper player support, is critical to the nation’s ambition of competing with rugby’s global powerhouses. As Fiji looks to grow fan engagement through renewed home matches and more international opportunities, the stage is set for a new era of Fiji Rugby that blends heritage with a more professional, world-class approach.
What this means for Fiji going forward
– A more professional pathway from grassroots to international level, with a focus on player welfare and coaching standards.
– Enhanced infrastructure and potential expansion of venues to meet international standards and spectator demand.
– Stronger financial planning and governance, including player representation at the board level and targeted marketing for domestic competitions.
– A concerted effort to secure sponsorship and hosting opportunities that could broaden revenue streams and support long-term development.
Outlook
With the symposium emphasizing cohesive strategy, governance reform, and tangible investments in people and facilities, Fiji’s ambition to join rugby’s Tier One ranks is being built on a multi-pronged foundation. If these plans translate into action, Fiji could see stronger domestic pathways, more international exposure, and sustained growth that aligns with the nation’s storied rugby legacy.
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