Nicky Little on the heavy duty of wearing Fiji’s jersey and the journey from a divided era to a united future
Former Flying Fijians fly-half Nicky Little stressed at the Fiji Rugby Union’s 2025 Symposium that wearing the national jersey carries a unique burden. In a pre-recorded address shared with Fiji Rugby’s high-performance chief Nacanieli Cawanibuka, Little said the jersey numbers—whether number 10, 9, or the left wing—come with a demanding job: getting the ball to the half-backs and delivering quick quality ball to the faster backs. He reflected on the weight of representing Fiji and the responsibility to perform for the country on rugby’s biggest stages.
Little also opened up about the rough-edged beginnings of his international career, recalling a time in 1996 when local players and overseas-based players felt a divide. He suggested that the sense of animosity wasn’t about who was better, but about culture and integration. Growing up with Fiji’s rugby culture, he insisted that the early era lacked some essential cohesion, which made the path to current success more challenging and more rewarding in hindsight.
On his background, Little noted that his place in the team came despite being based overseas because of his Fijian heritage through his father, while his mother is Maori. His achievements in the late 1990s and early 2000s helped shape a golden period for Fiji and laid the groundwork for current stars, including players like Caleb Muntz, who now carry forward the fly-half legacy Little helped establish. He also credited former head coach Brad Johnstone with guiding the Flying Fijians into a new era of strength, speed, and international competitiveness.
A broader thread running through Little’s recent public appearances is the theme of continuity between past and present. His leadership and kicking prowess remain a touchstone for younger players as they navigate a global rugby landscape that has evolved dramatically since his playing days. The symposium underscored how the nation’s rugby story has progressed—from a fractured era to one grounded in unity, development, and performance on the world stage.
In related developments, Little’s influence extended to the Fijian Drua, where he recently visited the Legalega base in Nadi. There, he was warmly welcomed by the current squad and officials and marveled at the state-of-the-art facilities, expressing a wish that such resources had been available during his own career. He reunited with former teammates Kele Leawere and Ifereimi Rawaqa, highlighting the enduring importance of camaraderie in Fiji’s rugby community. Little offered practical advice to the Drua fly-halves on moving the ball efficiently from forwards to backs and on the strategic use of kicking, while reiterating the simple but vital defensive adage: “And on defense, tackle your man.”
Little also emphasized the Drua’s vital role in fostering local support and praised the professionalism of local coaches, stressing the need to keep backing the team as they pursue 2025 success. His message to current players—pride in wearing the blue and the duty to give back to the rugby community—resonated across the organization. The Drua’s pre-season outreach programs, including work in Kadavu, were highlighted as evidence of the club’s commitment to unity, local talent development, and community connection. The prevailing tone was one of optimism for the Super Rugby campaign ahead and for Fiji’s ongoing rugby development.
The visiting narrative and the symposium remarks together paint a picture of an evolving rugby culture in Fiji: a sport that honors its legacy while actively building the resources, unity, and community ties needed for future success. Little’s reflections serve as a bridge between generations, reinforcing the sport’s values of teamwork, mentorship, and giving back to the community that sustains it.
Summary of key points:
– Nicky Little says wearing the Fiji jersey carries heavy responsibilities and outlines the job of distributing the ball effectively to teammates.
– He recalls a divisive early era in 1996 between locals and overseas-based players and notes cultural shifts over time.
– His selection was influenced by his Fijian heritage through his father; his mother is Maori.
– He credits Brad Johnstone with helping Fiji reach a new stage of strength and speed on the world stage.
– Little’s influence extends to the Drua, where he praised facilities, reunions with former teammates, and provided on-field guidance to current players.
– He stresses the importance of local support and a culture of giving back, reinforced by Drua community outreach programs in Kadavu and other moves toward unity and development.
Additional value adds and reader notes:
– The Drua’s upgrade in facilities and emphasis on local talent development align with Fiji Rugby Union’s broader development goals. Highlighting this link can help readers understand how national and club levels reinforce one another.
– Quotes from Little—such as “This is amazing. I wish we had this when I was younger” and “All our own guys are just proud to be the men who wear the blue”—offer handy pull quotes for social media and highlight the emotional resonance of Fiji rugby’s progression.
– Readers might enjoy a future profile comparing Little’s era with Caleb Muntz’s current coaching and playing path, exploring how lessons from the past inform today’s development decisions.
– The recurring theme of unity, community outreach, and giving back can be framed as Fiji rugby’s strategic differentiator in a competitive international landscape.
Overall, the article presents a hopeful view of Fiji rugby’s trajectory, anchored in tradition, stronger resources, and a culture of mentorship and community engagement that spans generations.
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