Fiji’s aspiration to establish both men’s and women’s teams in the 2026 National Rugby League (NRL) received significant support recently. Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has communicated with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, expressing backing for Fiji’s expansion bid into the NRL Premiership. Rabuka stated he will persist in advocating for Fiji’s cause in discussions with Australian officials.
As a member of the Fiji National Rugby League, Rabuka emphasized the positive impact that rugby would have on the region, strengthening the Fiji-Australia relationship and benefiting local communities as well as the corporate and tourism sectors in Fiji.
This endorsement comes after the Fijian Cabinet agreed to support the bid in March. Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Biman Prasad noted that the National Budget includes tax incentives for businesses interested in sponsoring the Fiji teams in the NRL.
Minister for Youth and Sports Jese Saukuru asserted that Fiji possesses the talent necessary to compete effectively against Australian and New Zealand clubs in the NRL. He mentioned ongoing efforts to secure partnerships for developing another international stadium through the Fiji Sports Council.
If Fiji successfully acquires the NRL license, it could host up to 17 home games, excluding pre-season and potential playoff matches. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism Viliame Gavoka expressed optimism that this bid could significantly enhance sports tourism, pointing out that rugby league is immensely popular in Australia, which is Fiji’s top market.
Gavoka added that the impact on international tourism could be substantial, underscoring the important role that sports tourism plays in the country’s overall tourism sector.
Additionally, two players of Fijian descent, Sunia Turuva and Tui Kamikamica, are set to compete in the NRL Grand Final on Sunday at Accor Stadium in Sydney. Turuva plays for the Penrith Panthers, while Kamikamica is with the Melbourne Storm, both representing the Fiji national rugby league team.
Notable Fijian players who have participated in NRL Grand Finals in the past include Noa Nadruku, Petero Civoniceva, Lote Tuqiri, Sisa Waqa, Api Koroisau, Marika Koribete, Suliasi Vunivalu, Viliame Kikau, Sunia Turuva, and Tui Kamikamica.