Fiji is committed to continuing to earn its place at the World Rugby Council – PM

Fiji is committed to continuing to earn its place at the World Rugby Council as we firmly believe having a second seat will strengthen our voice at the Council and help take Fijian rugby to the next level.

This was highlighted by Prime Minister and Fiji Rugby Union President Voreqe Bainimarama when he met with the World Rugby Chairman Sir Bill Beaumont.

Bainimarama conveyed the government’s and the people of Fiji’s appreciation to the World Rugby Chairman for his support to Fijian Rugby over the years.

The PM informed Beaumont that rugby as part of Fiji’s sports development, is an important community activator as it has direct health benefits, builds good character and essential social skills.

Discussions at the meeting also focused on important areas of collaboration between Fiji and World Rugby and also ways to further strengthen Fiji’s rugby development.

Bainimarama took the opportunity to personally thank Beaumont for his commitment and leadership during his tenure as Chairman of World Rugby and more recently for the relief funding grant that supported Fiji Rugby during the COVID-19.

Bainimarama also requested World Rugby for its support towards our 7s teams, both men and women's side as well as our 15s rugby teams and our Fijian Drua side.

Bainimarama adds that the Fijian Government firmly believes that the Drua franchise has a bright future ahead of it.

He says Fiji also looks forward to more partnerships with World Rugby particularly in infrastructure projects such as stadiums and High-Performance Excellence Centre.

In his response, Beaumont acknowledged the outstanding contribution Fiji has made towards the World Rugby, highlighting Fiji’s back-to-back Olympics and the recent Melrose Cup win in Capetown to name a few.