Fiji Rugby Union chief executive officer Koli Sewabu says the recent resurgence of rugby in Ra has demonstrated the sport’s potential to stimulate rural economies, calling on Government to invest in permanent sporting infrastructure across the country.
In a LinkedIn post, Mr Sewabu said the hosting of the INKK Farebrother-Sullivan Trophy Challenge between Ra and Nadroga at Narauyaba Park had brought significant economic activity to Rakiraki.
“Just weeks ago, Narauyaba Park stood in silence. Over the past fortnight, Ra Rugby has breathed new life into that venue—and injected vital energy into the entire Rakiraki municipality,” he said.
He said more than 10,000 spectators descended on the province for the historic challenge, providing an immediate boost to market vendors, transport operators, hospitality providers and small businesses.
“This is proof that rugby is far more than a weekend pastime; it is a proven economic driver for our rural towns and communities.”
However, Mr Sewabu said the last-minute preparations required to host the match exposed serious shortcomings in Fiji’s provincial sporting infrastructure.
“The logistical scramble to prepare Narauyaba Park—requiring last-minute temporary grandstands and portable facilities simply to meet match-day standards—highlights a critical infrastructure gap.”
He said athletes and taxpayers deserved permanent, modern facilities rather than temporary arrangements.
“We urgently need decisive policy action,” he said.
Mr Sewabu called for provincial grounds to be upgraded to meet international safety, broadcasting and sporting standards, while ensuring accessibility for women, children, the elderly and people living with disabilities.
He also proposed transforming provincial parks into multipurpose community hubs that could support commerce, health and youth development throughout the year.
Mr Sewabu said emerging provincial unions were increasingly challenging traditional rugby powerhouses, creating opportunities for wider regional development.
“We are witnessing a defining shift in the landscape of Fiji Rugby. Emerging provincial unions are rising to challenge traditional heavyweights, uniting entire regions in the process.”
He said sustained corporate and administrative support would be essential to maintaining that momentum.
Mr Sewabu also urged Government to recognise the wider social and economic benefits of investing in sport.
“Strategic investment in sports offers one of the highest Returns on Investment (ROI) available to our nation.”
He said Fiji needed to move away from ad-hoc funding and temporary responses to social problems affecting young people.
By investing in structured sporting pathways and modern facilities, he said, the country could provide young people with discipline, purpose, employment opportunities and career pathways while helping address substance abuse, crime and social disengagement.
“The resurgence witnessed in Ra over the past two weeks provides a clear blueprint for national development,” he said.
With elections approaching, Mr Sewabu also urged those seeking political support to consider the importance of sporting infrastructure.
“Election is coming. And if you’re planning to head that way for a tick, then this is something to think about.”
He concluded his message with a call to action: “IA ME VALA. THE BEST IS YET TO COME.”
