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All competing countries have now played a game at the Rugby World Cup 2023. There have been upsets, titanic battles, admiral performances from “minnows” and the odd hiding dished out (Romania and Namibia).
Fiji’s performances, not just against the Wallabies but also Wales have been notable for how they have bucked the stereotypes of Fijian (and Pasifika) rugby i.e. that they lack game control and are all about flair with natural talents.
It has been mentioned by many the effect that the Fijian Drua has had on this; and World Rugby, Rugby Australia, NZRU and Super Rugby should all be commended for their part in supporting the creation and adoption of the Drua in to high level competition.
What’s the next step though? For the Flying Fijians it appears to be, as it has been for a number of years, an introduction in to the Rugby Championship, alongside another country (probably Japan).
This is based on the team’s performances over recent years; and the level of support that they could bring across the board with expats in Australia, New Zealand and further afield. The principle from a sporting perspective is sound, but the finances involved and protectionist nature of SANZAAR continue to make this a locked door lacking a key. And what about the likes of Uruguay, who defeated Fiji in RWC 2019, or the likes of Tonga and Samoa; what are their prospects for joining higher level competition if all of those around them end up in a ring-fenced competition to which they aren’t on the list of.
It would not benefit ambitious Samoan or Tongan players to face off against the likes of Singapore, Hong Kong and Papua New Guinea year on year, whilst waiting for the chance to play Georgia, Romania, USA, etc in World Rugby’s proposed World League (let’s not get started on that!).
Waisea Nayacalevu of Fiji leads his teammates as players of of Fiji perform the Cibi prior to the Rugby World Cup France 2023 match between Australia and Fiji at Stade Geoffroy-Guichard on September 17, 2023 in Saint-Etienne, France. (Photo by World Rugby/World Rugby via Getty Images)
I’ve been fairly vocal previously about my scepticism of the Moana Pasifika franchise and how it is under the control of the NZRU, effectively allowing the All Blacks to cherry pick Samoan and Tongan players under the pretence that those players were only available because the respective countries didn’t take advantage of their own resource. The fact is that under the current structure, the Samoan and Tongan unions are still having to select from what is left once New Zealand, and to a lesser extent Australia, have perused the store for the real bargains.
Super Rugby should look to break up the Moana Pasifika franchise and establish stand alone teams in the respective countries, akin to the Fijian Drua. That would be the end goal. In the meantime, teams should be established to compete in New Zealand’s NPC, or Australian NRC if that ever comes back. These two teams could then be the feeder in to Moana Pasifika with players contracted to both the unions and the franchise. Corruption at unions would need to be protected against but could be overcome and longer term could strengthen Pasifika pathways and rugby in the global region to the point where NZ, Aus, Fiji, Samoa, Tonga and Japan could create its own version of the 6 Nations, with costs significantly reduced and all matches played in acceptable time zones.
A similar model could be created in Africa, South Africa already accepts teams in to the Currie Cup from Namibia and Kenya, but could go further by allowing these teams to progress higher; and also add teams from Zimbabwe, Tunisia, Ivory Coast, etc. It’s a more difficult model given the quality disparity.
The structure is already further ahead in South America with the Super Rugby Americas a few seasons in and the likes of Chile and Uruguay national teams already seeing the benefits.
Rugby as a whole and not just World Rugby needs to strategically grow the game in markets neighbouring existing customers. We would all like to have good quality teams in the USA, India, China, etc that could bring significant financial resource to the sport, but that is simply not going to happen any time soon. This isn’t the only solution but one that appears fairly obvious at present.
Unions need to accept a small slice from a larger cake. They won’t have the same control as they have had previously, but the financial benefits would be notable and ensure that our game remains global for a long way in to the future.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.