Fiji’s efforts to secure spots for both men’s and women’s teams in the 2026 National Rugby League (NRL) received significant backing recently. Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has communicated his support for the bid to Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, emphasizing the necessity for Fiji to be granted an expansion license to participate in the NRL Premiership competitions.
In a recent interview, Rabuka affirmed his commitment to advancing Fiji’s bid, stating that he would continue discussions with Australian officials. He underscored the potential benefits the sport could bring to the region, specifically highlighting improvements in the Fiji-Australia relationship, local communities, as well as advantages for the corporate and tourism sectors in Fiji.
This development follows the cabinet’s endorsement of the bid earlier in March. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Biman Prasad indicated that the national budget includes tax incentives aimed at businesses and organizations keen to sponsor Fiji’s teams in the NRL.
Minister for Youth and Sports Jese Saukuru expressed confidence in Fiji’s ability to compete in the NRL, noting the presence of many Fijian players already in the league. He mentioned ongoing efforts to establish an international stadium in collaboration with the Fiji Sports Council.
Should Fiji receive its NRL license, it would host 17 home games, excluding three pre-season matches and potentially four extra matches if the teams qualify for the finals playoffs. Viliame Gavoka, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism, articulated the vast implications for sports tourism that Fiji’s NRL bid could entail, asserting that it would significantly benefit the country’s tourism industry and enhance its standing in the Australian market.
Additionally, two players of Fijian descent are set to compete in the NRL Grand Final at Accor Stadium in Sydney. Sunia Turuva, representing the Penrith Panthers, and Tui Kamikamica from the Melbourne Storm are both members of the national rugby league team, Fiji Bati.
Historically, numerous Fijian players, such as Noa Nadruku, Petero Civoniceva, and Lote Tuqiri, have made their mark in NRL Grand Finals, contributing to a proud heritage in the sport.