Fiji National Rugby League chairman Akuila Masi has called for a collaborative effort instead of perceiving the huge investment by the Australian government to the sport of rugby league in the Pacific as a threat.
On July 3, a column on Australia’s Sydney Morning Herald revealed that a senior executive of the Fiji Rugby Union raised that the investment poised several threats to the sport in the Pacific by draining talent and undermining domestic competitions.
Masi in a statement on Monday said that the investment is a long-overdue recognition of the significant contribution that rugby league has made and continues to make to Pacific communities, identity, and development.
“Rugby league is no longer a fringe sport in the region. It is a thriving pathway for hundreds of Pasifika youth, many of whom now represent their families and nations on the global stage with pride and professionalism.
“The current funding from DFAT and the NRL is not a handout—it is a strategic investment in an inclusive sporting future for the Pacific. Contrary to the notion that this is a ‘nail in the coffin’ for rugby union, we view this moment as a wake-up call to move beyond siloed thinking. Both codes can and must thrive side-by-side,” he said.
Masi also pointed out the success of the Fiji Bati on the international stage despite the lack of funding and investment into the sport.
“The Fiji Bati have consistently performed at the highest levels, with World Cup semi-final appearances and an ever-growing talent pool locally and abroad. This success has been achieved despite minimal infrastructure, limited grassroots investment, and without consistent international support.”
Masi went on to say that if developed collaboratively and transparently, the growth of rugby league will not cannibalise rugby union but rather elevate sporting excellence and opportunity across the board.
