Fijian Drua
We need offshore help if we are to punch above our weight in the world of sports.
That’s the undeniable fact as we can’t operate in isolation if we are to be a force on the global front. We should therefore be thankful to those rugby superpowers, ‘tier one’ nations who have been sharing their wealth, resources, manpower, expertise to help us grow and continue to rev our interest in the game.
Early this week, Rugby Australia confirmed a one-off Test between the Wallabies and the Fiji Airways Flying Fijians on July 18 in Townsville.
This is a bold and generous offer by Rugby Australia taking into account the current state of affairs, tough economic times and struggles the sport is undergoing Down Under.
We are fortunate that we’ve been given test status and as host, Rugby Australia would try to milk the best and maximise revenue to invest back into the game.
The bottom line is it is not worth playing test rugby if it’s not economic viable.
And although we would like to have more tests with the Wallabies, Rugby Australia has provided more meaningful pathways which should help us thrive and prosper
Australia A
Rugby Australia boss Raelene Castle mooted the possible return of the Australia A in the Pacific Nations Cup after a 12-year absence.
Castle said the prospect of Australia A playing meaningful matches in the Pacific Islands as early as 2021 was an option.
Fijian Latui
Supported by World Rugby and funded by mining billionaire Andrew ‘Twiggy’ Forrest, Global Rapid Rugby kicks off next month with Fijian Latui playing the Chinese Lions at the ANZ Stadium, Suva on March 14.
This is another which augurs well players and future.
Coach Senirusi Seruvakula said: “It’s going to be a tougher as it’s bigger than the Fijiana Drua competing in the Australian National Rugby Championship.
“We will play against teams from around the globe. It’s going to be longer, it’s going to be week in week out and it’s going to be big exposure breakthrough for our local
Going into the fourth year playing in the Australian National Rugby Championship, the competition has been a building platform and stepping stone for our future Flying Fijians.
Fijiana XV
Funded by the PacificAus Sports within the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the Fijiana XV will play the Queensland Reds women Super W match on Sunday week at Ballymore before taking on NSW Waratahs women.
This is part of Fijiana build-up to the 2021 Women’s Rugby World Cup in New Zealand.
Kaiviti Silktails
The Silktails will be taking part for the first time in the NSW Ron Massey Cup rugby league competition which kicks off next month. This is another Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade funded initiative and we should be thankful to the Aussies for helping us prosper in whatever sport we take part in.
As a rugby superpower, ‘tier one’ nation and neighbour, Australia have a responsibility to help ‘tier two’ nations like Fiji grow and develop to be to getting regular Test schedules in future. And we should be thankful to them for providing us the pathway.