The Fiji Rugby Union has received with open arms moves by World Rugby to support a Pacific team in Super Rugby and the Rugby Football Union (RFU) including Fiji in the revised Six nations tournament which begins in November.
The Telegraph UK yesterday reported that World Rugby chairman, Sir Bill Beaumont is open to the idea of World Rugby funding a Pacific Island team in Super Rugby.
The franchise competition in the southern hemisphere has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and international travel protocols.
Sides from Australia and New Zealand are currently competing in national tournaments within their respective borders as unions discuss a trans-Tasman framework for 2021 and beyond.
Appearing via video link-up on Sky Sport in New Zealand, Sir Beaumont was asked whether World Rugby would consider funding a Super Rugby team – predominantly made up of players from Fiji, Samoa and Tonga – as they have done for Argentina’s Jaguares outfit.
“I think we should do, without a doubt,” said Sir Beaumont.
“What I find quite interesting is that there seems to be huge enthusiasm for it south of the equator. There is a team they are talking about in Hawaii, playing in Major League Rugby in the United States. I have heard that teams from Fiji or Japan could be invited into Super Rugby.
“These are decisions that need to be taken. What we have to do is be creative and work together with our partners.”
World Rugby already helped to fund the Fijian Drua, which have enjoyed eye-catching success in the past three editions of Australia’s National Rugby Championship.
Fiji Rugby Union chief executive officer John O’Connor said the opportunities would expose Fijian players and boost Fiji’s status at the Test arena.
“We acknowledge the comment by Sir Bill and we are following up with our situation with New Zealand Rugby on our expression of interest,” O’Connor said.
“It will be great for the public and the Flying Fijians.”
Sir Beaumont added that a WR council meeting today would ratify a temporary extension to the upcoming international window, during which an eight-team tournament is due to be contested between England, Ireland, Italy, Fiji, France, Japan, France, Scotland and Wales.
“World Rugby has made the decision to get international rugby up and running because that is what funds the game for every little rugby club on the planet,” he said.
O’Connor said the tournament would also augur well for Fiji because of Test status and involvement of Fijian players, especially those based in Europe and their exposure at global level.
The Flying Fijians are pooled against England, Wales and Ireland in the tournament nations while France, Scotland, Italy and Japan are in Pool B. The tournament is scheduled to start on November 14.
