The rich and illustrious history of Fijian rugby has garnered the praise of many abroad and from it, a path on which it can continue to grow even further.
This was shared by Fiji Rugby Union chairman John Sanday, during the 2025 FRU Symposium, held at the Upper Hall of the Albert Park pavilion in Suva yesterday.
“I go overseas, and I travel to places and all they talk about is the rich history of our rugby; how we have contributed to the colour of the global game and how we can continue to grow,” Sanday said.
His remarks on Fiji’s rugby history stemmed from his explanation on how the symposium’s goal of designing a plan was part of Fiji’s efforts to reaching Tier One status and from it, the opportunity to win the Rugby World Cup.
“We’re going to get there and we’re going to win the World Cup, but this is where the engine room starts.”
And with the brand of the FIJI Water Flying Fijians growing from strength to strength and becoming more robust with a growing portfolio of partners and sponsors backing them, he reflected on how the game had changed at a broader scale and inspired many.
“I’m always thankful for the legends and the stars before me that inspired my dream and I hope I’ve been someone that inspired somebody else’s dream,” he said.
“And the Flying Fijians of today are going to be inspiring the dreams of the next stars and that’s what we’re all about.”
With the symposium aiming to put a firm foot forward for the development of the game to newer heights, he mentioned his reminder to attendees of the key goals needed to be achieved.
“We must all work together, da veilomani, da toso vata mai (let’s care for one another, let’s move closer) as in a rugby game, bind mai.
“We cannot do this on our own, we do this as a team.”
The symposium which garnered a lot of attention continues today and will end on Friday.