Fiji rugby dilemma

THE Fiji Rugby Union (FRU), and the Government of Fiji (GoF) should inform New Zealand Rugby (NZR), and the Government of New Zealand (GoNZ) that unless they accept and respect Fiji as a rugby playing nation, any rugby international between the two countries should be held in either country. Accordingly, Fiji totally rejects playing the All Blacks in a third country (eg. USA) unless it’s part of an IRB sanctioned tournament, involving and including other rugby playing nations. FRU and GoF should highlight to NZR and GoNZ that national test matches are the pinnacle event/occasion between them which can only be hosted by either country. Fiji in particular relishes having such an international on Fijian soil for the first time. In comparison, there had been seven test matches on New Zealand soil between the two countries in 1987, 1997, 2002, 2005, 2011, and two in 2021. Fiji played only the New Zealand XV Team in 1970, 1980, and 1984.

In addition, the whole world, including the world rugby community know fully well that Fiji has been playing impressively well in Super Rugby, and in the 2023 Rugby World Cup (RWC) reaching the quarter-finals. As such, Fiji deserves, and has a right to expect an acceptable level of respect.

It should be made very clear to NZR and GoNZ, that their reported concern about growing the sport of rugby in North America, and promoting the All Blacks brand (in terms of securing massive sponsorships and benefits) are entirely win — win issues for New Zealand alone. Fiji on the other hand is determined to have its first international against the All Blacks on Fijian soil, and more importantly to further grow the sport here in Fiji, not to mention the potential economic boost it can have on our economy.

If NZR refuses to play Fiji in Fiji in July, 2024, we should turn to other more friendly rugby playing nations such as South Africa, France, Australia, and Argentina who will accept and respect us as who we are, and genuinely wish to help.

I believe GoF should play a key role in this saga because the Fiji public is disappointed by the bullying dished out on FRU, and the Fijian public by NZR, and its CEO, Mark Robinson. SAVERIO BALEIKANACEA Delainavesi, Lami