In February 1985 fans of the national soccer and rugby teams got news they wanted to hear when it was announced both teams could play in a joint hurricane relief fundraising programme in Auckland, New Zealand, later that month.
An article in The Fiji Times on February 5 said an agreement for the double international was being negotiated between the Fiji and New Zealand governments, in the wake of the recent cyclones, Eric and Nigel, which caused death and widespread destruction in Fiji.
The offer for the Fiji soccer reps to play a full international, and their rugby counterparts to meet provincial champions, Auckland, was expected to be announced by Sports Minister Dr Ahmed Ali.
Sources said the two matches were likely to be played at the same venue in Auckland with all proceeds going towards the Prime Ministers Hurricane Relief Fund.
The Fiji Football Association executive met that day to discuss the match, although they had already confirmed to New Zealand Football Association officials their availability.
The Fiji Rugby Union executive were also expected to discuss the possibility of such a match at their first executive meeting of the season.
The idea was expected to get people backing rugby and soccer, both of which needed the vote of confidence from New Zealand sports officials and fans.
The Fiji rugby team lost to “Lion Tamers” Auckland 30-18 in 1983 and were hammered 45-0 by the mighty All Blacks.
Soccer gained international notoriety following two all-out brawls which marred the two international played by the All Whites here.
That and the subsequent banning of all home games for the year in Fiji by world soccer body FIFA, and the suspension of players Bale Raniga, Eliki Tabaki and officials Chandra Dip Sharma, Bala Naidu and Hazrat Ali had soured relations.
Senior officials from the sport said for the matches to happen, they would have to move quickly in order to formalise matters in order to give the national side time to prepare.
Neither soccer nor rugby had officially started its 1985 seasons.
New Zealand 1982 World Cup soccer coach John Adshead was also willing to bring his star-studded team to play Suva and Lautoka as part of hurricane relief fundraising efforts.
Adshead said from Auckland he wanted to bring the Auckland side, which boasted New Zealand players including Captain Steve Sumner, for two matches.
(*Compiled by John Chetty)
