Fiji has been given the right to play in the Super Rugby competition from next year.
Thanks to the Fiji Rugby Union, New Zealand Rugby and Australia Rugby, ongoing talks over the years came to fruition yesterday.
Now the Fijian Drua and Moana Pasifika have been allowed to compete in the most entertaining rugby competition on the globe as early as next February.
The FRU made the announcement yesterday after NZR publicly revealed it has awarded a conditional licence with the help of AR for the Suva-based side to participate in the competition from 2022 onwards.
“This is one of the most exciting developments in the history of Fiji Rugby,” FRU chairman Conway Beg said.
“To be able to field a team in Super Rugby is a dream come true for our union, our country, and our players.
It will be a transformational moment in our rugby history, allowing us to bring many of our best players home and to retain our best talent in Fiji so that they can play elite professional rugby in their homeland.”
The FRU said the Fijian Drua would be run by a separate company with its own chief executive officer, administration and team management.
All those involved including the coaches will be advertised locally and internationally in the near future.
FRU chief executive officer John O’Connor said Fiji rugby had entered a new era where livelihoods, the Fijian economy and Fijian infrastructure would improve.
“Today is another historical day for Fiji rugby, Fiji and for Fijians wherever they live in the world.
I acknowledge and honour God Almighty for this great achievement.
He has been our eighth man in the sevens team and our 16th man in our 15s team,” he said.
