The Fiji National Rugby League (FNRL) has expressed its endorsement of Australia’s Pacific Rugby League Strategy, which involves a substantial investment of approximately $600 million (US$391 million) aimed at bolstering rugby league across the Pacific. FNRL Executive Chairman Akuila Masi emphasized that this initiative should be embraced as a beneficial opportunity for all Pacific sports rather than viewed as a competitive threat to rugby union.
In response to concerns raised by rugby union leaders regarding the Australian government’s financial backing for rugby league, Masi stressed that the funding through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) is not merely a charitable contribution, but a well-strategized investment into communities where rugby league plays a significant role. This investment reflects the growing presence of rugby league in the Pacific, noted for its contribution to community identity and youth development.
Rugby league has transitioned to a key sporting platform for many Pasifika youths, contributing to their representation on international stages. Masi highlighted Fiji’s rich rugby heritage and the noteworthy achievements of the Fiji Bati, including World Cup semi-final appearances and an expanding talent pool despite facing infrastructural and funding challenges.
Addressing the apprehensions that this investment might harm rugby union, Masi encouraged a collaborative approach. He asserted that both sports can coexist and thrive together, urging leaders in the region to adopt a mindset of sports pluralism—allowing communities and individuals to engage with the sport that resonates with them. According to Masi, this investment will uplift the overall standard of sports and provide greater opportunities for athletes across the region.
The FNRL reaffirmed its commitment to local governance, player pathways, and aligning sporting efforts with broader national development goals, which include health, youth engagement, and community resilience. Masi concluded with a rallying cry for unity: “Let us not fear the rise of one sport. Let us fear a failure to collaborate.”
This position marks a hopeful outlook for the future of sports in the Pacific, emphasizing collaboration and the potential for growth in both rugby league and rugby union, ultimately benefiting the regional sporting landscape and the communities involved.
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