Fiji Rugby Union, commonly referred to as Fiji Rugby or simply Fiji, is one of the most iconic and successful rugby teams in the world. Founded in 1913 as Fiji Rugby Football Union, it is based in Suva, Fiji, and plays its home matches at the famous ANZ National Stadium, which has a seating capacity of over 15,000.
Fiji Rugby has a rich history, boasting a Gold Medal in the 2016 Olympic Games, multiple Hong Kong Sevens titles, and a reputation for being a formidable force in international rugby. The team enjoyed its most successful era under various notable coaches, who led Fiji to numerous victories and high world rankings over the years.
Known for its exciting and free-flowing style of play, the team has nurtured some of rugby’s greatest talents, including Waisale Serevi, considered one of the greatest rugby sevens players of all time, Semi Radradra, and Leone Nakarawa. Despite challenges, Fiji Rugby remains one of the world’s most respected rugby teams, with a global fan base and a rich tradition that continues to influence rugby worldwide.
Fiji Rugby is one of the most popular rugby unions in the world, with one of the highest average home attendances in the Pacific. The union states that its worldwide fan base includes more than 200 officially recognised branches of the Fiji Rugby Supporters Club (FRSC), in at least 24 countries. The union takes advantage of this support through its worldwide summer tours. Accountancy firm and sports industry consultants Deloitte estimate that Fiji Rugby has millions of fans worldwide. The union has a significant social media following in the world among sports teams, with a substantial number of Facebook followers as of July 2023. A 2014 study showed that Fiji Rugby had the loudest fans in the Rugby Union.
Fiji Rugby was formed in 1884 as Suva Rugby Football Club by the local community. The team initially played games against other local clubs, but on 20 November 1884, they competed in their first recorded match; wearing the national colours of Fiji—white and black—they were victorious in their inaugural game.
In October 1945, the impending resumption of rugby after the war led to the managerial appointment of Peni Veidreyaki, who demanded an unprecedented level of control over team selection, player transfers, and training sessions. Veidreyaki led the team to several Pacific Rugby Cup victories and helped establish Fiji as a powerhouse in the sport.
On 8 May 2013, Veidreyaki announced that he was to retire as manager at the end of the rugby season, but would remain at the union as a director and union ambassador. He retired as the most decorated manager in Fiji Rugby history. The union announced the next day that John McKee would replace him from 1 July, having signed a six-year contract. Seremaia Bai took over as interim player-manager 10 months later, on 22 April 2014, when McKee was reassigned after a successful season in which the union defended their Pacific Nations Cup title and qualified for the Rugby World Cup for the consecutive time since its inception.
Originally funded by the Fiji Rugby Union, the team became a national representative in the early 20th century, attracting local supporters and sponsors. In the 1950s, the team gained considerable support and recognition when they defeated the New Zealand All Blacks, which led to a significant increase in investment and financial support from local businessmen, including future Fiji Rugby Union president Francis Kean. After his tenure, the Union faced financial distress. But, it was saved in the early 2000s by Bill Gavoka, who assumed control of the Union after a significant investment and restructuring of finances. Gavoka promoted his son, Ratu, to the board in 2010, but stepped down three years later; the Gavoka family retained influence in the Union through Bill's wife, Salote, but the position of chairman passed to former player John O'Connor.
Promoted to the board a few days after the 2005 Rugby League Tri-Nations, Pio Bosco Tikoisuva, a friend of Waisale Serevi, began acquiring major influence in the Union; for an investment of approximately FJ$1 million, he accumulated a significant stake in the Union and took control in January 2008. When Salote Gavoka passed away in January 2012, her influence passed to Ratu Gavoka, who sold a percentage of his shares to Tikoisuva's son, Ilaitia, in 2015; Ilaitia Tikoisuva went on to become chairman upon his father's retirement in 2017. Media tycoon George Chapman attempted to buy the Union in 2018, but did not meet Tikoisuva's asking price. In 2019, chairman Ilaitia Tikoisuva attempted to sell the Union to David Dakuitoga for FJ$50 million, but the sale fell through and Dakuitoga joined the board of directors instead.
Fiji Rugby is one of the most successful teams in the world, especially in Sevens Rugby. They have consistently performed at a high level in various international competitions. Fiji's first significant achievement was their victory in the Pacific Games, which they won for the first time in 1963. They have won the World Rugby Pacific Nations Cup multiple times, demonstrating their dominance in the Pacific region. Their success extends to the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series, where they have emerged as champions multiple times.
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Fiji Rugby's success is a testament to their hard work, talent, and the passion for the sport that runs deep in the hearts of the Fijian people. Their accomplishments have not only brought immense pride to their nation but also contributed to the global recognition of Fiji as a powerhouse in rugby.
Fiji Rugby: A Comprehensive History and Guide: An in-depth look into the history, achievements, and notable figures of Fiji Rugby. https://www.fijirugby.com/
Fiji Rugby Union: Official Website: The official website of Fiji Rugby, offering the latest news, match reports, player profiles, and more about the team. https://www.fijirugby.com/fiji-rugby-history/
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