Fiji and Australia aspire to elevated cooperation through sport

Through Australia’s PacificAus Sports program, Fiji and Australia are aspiring to a new era of elevated cooperation, consultation and friendship between the two nations.

The partnership with Fiji Rugby Union, Rugby Australia and Oceania Rugby, will build new careers for generations of talent and attract investment to support Fiji’s response to the economic impact of COVID-19.

This ‘Vuvale’ Partnership - 'Vuvale' is the word in the Fijian language for 'family' meaning 'my home is your home' - will support women and men’s rugby teams to enter Australia’s Super W competition and the Super Rugby Trans-Tasman competition as early as 2022.

Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Women, Marise Payne notes “while the health security of our near neighbours remains a critical priority, sport will help facilitate the region’s cultural and economic recovery and help our countries stay connected.

“Pacific nations have some of the most passionate rugby communities in the world and we want to see their talent showcased on the world stage.”

Minister for International Development and the Pacific, Zed Seselja, said the partnership reinforces the strong bonds between Australia and Fiji highlighting “Australia and Fiji share a proud history of rugby union exchange, stretching back 70 years. As friends and rivals in sport, we bring out the best in each other.”

This partnership builds on earlier investments by Australia to support Fijian teams to access semi-professional careers in Australia, including the Kaiviti Silktails in the NSW Ron Massey Cup.

The Australian Government has also assisted Fiji’s Olympic preparations, supporting their men’s and women’s teams to participate in this weekend’s PacificAus Sports Oceania Rugby Sevens tournament at Townsville’s Queensland Country Bank Stadium.

Rugby Australia Chief Executive Andy Marinos welcomed Australia’s decision to support Fiji’s men’s and women’s programs, given the special status of rugby in the Fiji-Australia relationship and added “we have had the privilege of working with the Australian Government on a number of initiatives through the PacificAus Sports program. It is a powerful tool for development pathways in the Pacific.”

Images: Fiji at the 2019 Rugby World Cup, where they secured two wins. Courtesy of 2019 Rugby World Cup organising committee.