FIJI has been selected as the Pacific base for the launch of the Cup Rugby development programme, an ambitious new initiative spearheaded by the French Rugby Federation in partnership with Oceania Rugby and France’s overseas development agency (AFD).
Scheduled to roll out in October, Cup Rugby is a grassroots-focused programme that has already been trialled in parts of Africa and is now being introduced to Oceania with Fiji at its heart.
The announcement was made by French Rugby vice president Abdelatif Benazzi during his visit to the region, where he also met Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka and top rugby officials.
“We chose Fiji as our base in the Pacific because of its passion, talent and deep culture of rugby,” Benazzi said.
“Fiji will be our second home with this programme.”
The programme aims to foster rugby growth from the ground up across Fiji and neighbouring island nations such as Tonga and Samoa.
“It will include the development of academies, training stations, governance support, and competitions for age grades (U16, U18, U20) as well as women’s rugby.
Benazzi explained that the initiative will begin with a diagnostic phase, identifying the specific needs of local unions from coaching support and school competitions to referee development and women’s participation.
“This is about building something long-term and meaningful. We are not here to give lessons, but to share, support and grow together,” he added.
Fiji Rugby Union chairman John Sanday has welcomed the announcement with great enthusiasm.
“We are excited about this,” said Sanday.
“This partnership is not only recognition of Fiji’s place in global rugby, but it also creates real development opportunities for our players, coaches and administrators at all levels.”
The Cup Rugby programme is supported by the French Embassy and AFD, with funding earmarked for rugby development in both France’s overseas territories (such as New Caledonia and Tahiti) and across the Pacific Islands.
Benazzi said the decision to base the programme in Fiji was also deeply personal.
“Oceania Rugby is the heart of my career. The spirit, the culture coming here, I feel it all.
“This programme is about using rugby as a tool for unity, opportunity and youth empowerment.”
As part of France’s ongoing engagement with the Pacific, Benazzi confirmed that the French national team will return regularly to the region, including a tour next year and more development collaborations leading up to the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.
The launch of Cup Rugby marks a new chapter in rugby relations between France and the Pacific—a move that could elevate grassroots rugby to new heights in Fiji and beyond.
