Rugby Australia continues strong diplomacy with Fiji as CEO Waugh meets with Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka

Rugby Australia CEO Phil Waugh has stressed the importance of the relationship with Fiji after meeting with Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka.

Waugh and a Rugby Australia delegation met with Rabuka and Fiji Rugby Union President John Sanday to discuss the importance of rugby union’s role in diplomacy across the Pacific.

This coincides with the Wallaroos’ maiden trip to Suva as they prepare to face the Vodafone Fijiana XV at 5pm today at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva.

Rabuka was joined by FRU President Sanday and CEO Rovereto Nayacalevu, while RA was represented by Waugh, General Manager Women’s Rugby Jilly Collins and Head of Pacific Partnerships Daniel Millis.

Rabuka says their visit reaffirms the strong and growing partnership between Fiji and Rugby Australia - not just in sport, but in the shared values and aspirations we have for our people.

He says the success of our Fijian Drua teams stands as a testament to what can be achieved when nations come together to invest in talent, opportunity, and regional pride.

It comes as the two nations unveiled the Vuvale Bowl, which will be contested in every game between the sides.

Rugby Australia and the Australian Government have been heavily involved with Fijian Rugby through the PacificAusSports program, assisting in the funding of the Fijian Drua men’s and women’s sides along with community initiatives.

Phil Waugh says on behalf of Rugby Australia, he would like to extend his sincere thanks to Rabuka for the opportunity to discuss the importance of their partnership now and into the future with Fiji.

Waugh says all parties recognise the crucial role rugby union plays in uniting the Pacific diplomatically, economically and culturally and the importance of deepening the already strong relationship that exists between Fiji and Australia through rugby.

He says today’s historic ‘Vuvale Bowl’ between the Fijiana and the Wallaroos has preceded a week of outstanding community engagements, school visits and meetings that will serve to foster even closer ties between our two unions and nations.

Waugh says their discussions also explored areas for deeper cooperation and engagement between our two countries and RA looks forward to evolving those in partnership with their great friends in Fiji.