Fiji Rugby has always been a must watch for rugby supporters around the globe, with a mix of physicality and flair that transfixes the eyes.
At a time where certain countries are trying to find their identities — for example NZ, England and Australia — Fiji have never lost theirs.
They have players with some of the best hands in the game with an incredible understanding of each other, a player always instinctively knows where the next one is to pressurise the defence or even the attacking players.
What was once a weakness, the scrum, has become a strength.
The Drua have shown major improvement in this area, this has given them more opportunities for possession and to bring more opportunities for their dangerous backline.
They captured their own supporters plus others because of the way they play the game with skill and genuine love, they have been the very reason why we all fell in love of the game ourselves.
Further more about Fijian supporters.
I would recommend going to Fiji and engaging with all things rugby, from kids up their passion and knowledge is a privilege to engage with.
The game unites the whole country no matter of their background or what village they belong to, it is about the game which brings individuals and groups together.
Fijian rugby does need more help for progression and development for the good of the game there and the wider community, it would be for the greater good for them to be as strong as possible!
From my viewpoint as a rugby lover both Australia and New Zealand need to be more proactive with Fiji on an international level as well as at the domestic level.
Selestino Ravutaumada of the Fijian Drua (Photo by Pita Simpson/Getty Images)
New Zealand does play in Fiji but not enough and the Fijian supporters love watching the encounters and so turn out in force, more games there obviously means more money for them to put back into the sport.
The Wallabies need to also agree to play in Fiji as they would be warmly welcomed, and they would feel more engaged with both country and supporters.
An agreement should be reached by the three unions for more regular matches in Fiji, financially this makes sense rather than asking them to travel while stretching their resources.
Fiji are growing and I cannot see them being too far behind the likes of Scotland, are Italy ahead of Fiji currently?
RA and NZRU are behind making Fiji stronger and Super Rugby is a great start especially considering the great season that the Drua have just had, now the International stage should be the focus also.
The Fijian supporters were something to behold during the SR season, their passion and love for the game is something that many can learn from!
Plus they show so much respect for the opposition sides, it is about rugby for them win or lose!
Some have mentioned bringing in the USA into the Rugby Championship because they would provide the financial clout, that would be true but they have not progressed internationally at all.
My argument is why leave out a team especially like Fiji that are showing genuine progression and ambition, Samoa should also be given attention even though they have struggled in the SRP this shows more support is needed for them.
Do you think that NZ and Australia should be more involved by playing tests in Fiji?
What was your thoughts of the Drua?
Thank you for taking the time to read Roarers.
Tim J
Roar Rookie
Great that you brought up Georgia JD. They have not been treated with the respect that they deserve, in World Cups they punch above their weight. These sort of teams can be genuinely amongst the top 10, but those in power refuse to acknowledge them. Other teams like Spain, Germany etc take the game seriously and have created great environments but get little or no support from WR compared to others.
JD Kiwi
Roar Rookie
Yes good point Jacko and Italy are ranked below both of them! The protectionism of the Six Nations and the favouritism shown to Italy now that they're part of the fat cats club is pretty sinister. It's like being a "made man" in a mafia movie. We also can't forget Georgia who regularly win the second tier of European competition and are ranked ahead of Samoa and Fiji. The Six Nations might decide to throw them a bone after refusing them a fair shot at promotion.
Tim J
Roar Rookie
Thank you JD, and I appreciate the feedback. The Drua have shown the path forward, and as a result everyone inside and outside of Fiji are captivated about the future.
Tim J
Roar Rookie
Thank you DGS, I totally agree as the problem is with the hierarchy! Certainly the players are ready and willing, the things need to change at the top.
Tim J
Roar Rookie
Yes JD, Fiji played a top game and were unlucky.
Jacko
Roar Rookie
I know Fiji is all the rage at the moment but Samoa is actually ranked higher than them. One will miss the top tier.
jcmasher
Roar Rookie
Yeah that’s true. The Scots are a bit like Ireland in that they rely on open or two players having a good game and if they don’t then the whole team seems to fall apart a bit.
JD Kiwi
Roar Rookie
Great article again Tim, capturing how the joy and passion of Fiji has saved Super Rugby Pacific. There will be a lot of very angry Kiwis and Aussies if Fiji doesn't get a seat at the top table in 2026.
JD Kiwi
Roar Rookie
Until Paddy O gave France that penalty try.
Rusty
Roar Guru
As in the worlds 5th ranked team that Australia struggles against, regularly beats England and gave the ABs a scare? not sure about that They are a shot to get out of their pool - Wales are in all sorts of shambles and a bit of an unknown but Fiji could also just as easily do a 2019 and lose to Georgia or Portugal as they could progress.
DGS
Roar Rookie
Thanks heaps for the article Tim. The Drua were terrific in SR this year. I agree with you Fiji should be nurtured further into more international games. They have a lot to offer and would be awfully difficult to beat at home. The only area I’m not sure about is whether their ‘back office’ is mature enough to handle the step up to regular international footy against tier one nations. Their players are capable enough but their governance and funding probably needs improving.
Tim J
Roar Rookie
Hello jcmasher, I cannot remember the World Cup but Fiji were close to beating France! Like you I think Fiji could surprise at the RWC, it will be interesting to see how many Drua players will be selected.
jcmasher
Roar Rookie
Absolutely we need got bring Fiji up. TBH I think Scotland would struggle against them now and I expect them to be very dangerous at the RWC. I would not be surprised to see them in the QTR finals
Tim J
Roar Rookie
Hello chooks, my favourite yoker! :silly: The slow development is a concern for Fijian Rugby, that is why I feel that both Australia and New Zealand need to be more proactive in helping to develop and nurture the game there. It is more than financial support by putting hands on deck to help them first hand, you are totally right as more engagement is needed… :thumbup:
Machooka
Roar Guru
Good read, Mad Kiwi type! :silly: :thumbup: Love everything about Fiji rugby… except it’s slow development. So greater engagement by it’s neighbours in the South Pacific is much needed. Required.
Tim J
Roar Rookie
That certainly is true KT, this is an issue with other countries also. With proper support from Australia and New Zealand in regards to many areas this could help to change things, the economy in Fiji has an influence also where wages are low and other factors.
KTinHK
Roar Pro
The issues that have held them back seem to be in the management and administration. Specifically, where money goes.
Tim J
Roar Rookie
G’day Ken… What a great post to reply with very factual mixed with great humour… :thumbup: I wrote this piece because I felt that Fijian rugby and what it means to everyone there deserves attention, they have and are continuing to show us all what the game means to them! Some of the top countries have forgotten about the heart of the game and what it means to their supporters, they can learn from Fiji and their supporters about the fundamentals of the game and what makes it unique and successful.
Ken Catchpole's Other Leg
Roar Guru
Great piece Mad. Fiji is a worthy rugby subject. I find myself giggling all through a Drua home game. The utterly freewheeling joy of the crowd is infectious. To borrow Harrybaldi’s metaphor machine - To Oz’s rangey roo, NZ’s dour bird, England’s bloodyminded bull, and France’s regal rooster, Fiji is the rugby world’s labrador puppy. Hopping and cartwheeling at every sight of a moving ball. Every 80 minutes- a tree and roof climbing party time. Two junior team tours to the friendly isles acquaints me with this unique culture- an English town may be rugby’s place of birth, but a pacific village might be where pro rugby finds a Damascus - aka a rediscovery of what it’s all about. My Sydney subbies club has a relationship, and a history with a region in Fiji - to mutual benefit. God save the king, God defend New Zealand. And thank the rugby gods for Fiji, rugby’s Rome without a pope.