There are short- and medium-term target outcomes that we are looking to pursue immediately to ensure that it strengthens our development pathway programs and has sustainable impacts to our long-term objectives. The Fiji Rugby Union is happy to announce our schedule of events for the year 2025 for rugby in Fiji. The Fiji Rugby Union is aiming to strategically grow the game to ensure sustainability on a long-term basis.
We are steadfast in our resolve to improve governance and broaden opportunities for talent at all levels, and we have no doubt that these reforms will significantly boost the sport and its major players, especially our ardent Fijian supporters. At our most recent General Assembly in Nadi, this schedule was proposed to and approved by our member unions.
New Leadership and Board Structure
We are thrilled to have Mr. John Sanday leading our new Board of Directors. The new board members’ knowledge and experience will be crucial in determining Fiji Rugby’s future course. Their assistance and wise counsel will provide our management team and Rugby House employees the strategic direction they need, especially when it comes to fortifying our governance structure, which is crucial to the game’s long-term viability and expansion.
2025 Rugby Calendar and Key Competitions
With our Domestic 7s competition starting in October and running until the end of April 2025, the 2025 rugby calendar is well under way. The Fiji Airways National Sevens Teams are getting ready for the HSBC Sevens Series’ upcoming leg. The national teams aim to improve on their achievements in the first leg of the HSBC World 7s series in Dubai and South Africa, while the second leg will begin in Perth from January 24-26, 2025. The following are the next steps for the women’s and men’s programs:
Vancouver 7s
Hong Kong 7s
Singapore 7s
And the final series will be held in LA (USA)
Under the direction of head coach Senirusi Seruvakula, the Sports World Under 20 team will play a number of games against Samoa, Tonga, and an Invitational Moana Pacifica U20 team in March to kick off their campaign. With the possibility of representing the Fijian Drua, Moana Pacifica, signing professional contracts with other professional clubs, or eventually being named for the Flying Fijians, these games are essential stepping stones for Fijian talent to go through the ranks. The tentative dates for our National Kaji & Kajiana Rugby Competition are May 10–17, 2025, during the Term 1 School Holidays.
From June 7 to August 23, secondary school athletes will compete for the title of National Secondary Schools Vodafone Deans champions in both the boys’ and girls’ categories. For up-and-coming Fijian talent, this tournament provides an essential development platform. Following the Deans Tournament, the Fiji U18 schoolboys’ squad will be selected, and they will get ready to go and play the Australian and New Zealand U18 schoolboys’ teams later in the year.
Test Matches and International Fixtures
Regarding possible test matches with their men’s national teams in the middle of the year, our team is in talks with Rugby Australia and the Scotland Rugby Union. Once the FRU has finalised an agreement and put pen to paper, we will formally announce the start of these test matches. The Vodafone Fijiana XVs team is preparing for the Women’s Rugby World Cup, which is set to take place from August 22 to September 27. The women’s squad has been put in Pool B alongside Scotland, Wales, and Canada. Before departing for the World Cup event in England, the Vodafone Fijiana XVs will also welcome the USA XVs squad in July and the Australian Wallaroos on May 3.
Domestic Competitions and Provincial Rugby
To avoid conflicts with other big tournaments (Super Rugby) in the first quarter of 2025, the Provincial tournaments, which include the Royal Tea Ranadi Cup, Vodafone Vanua Cup, Marama Cup, and Skipper Cup, will start on August 2 and run until November 1, 2025. We will be holding a newly suggested Franchise Domestic competition from April to May to help our Vodafone Fijiana 15s squad get ready for the World Cup event in August. This competition will give our players who aren’t part of the Fijiana Drua the competition and playing time they need. This is presently being worked on, and once the specifics are finalised, confirmation will be made available.
The FIJI Water Flying Fijians will compete against some of the best rugby nations in the Northern Hemisphere during the Northern Tour in November, which will mark the end of the year. The teams we will play against during this window are still being discussed; once these discussions are concluded, the teams will be verified.
New Apparel Partner – UMBRO
The apparel collaboration agreement between Nike and the Fiji Rugby Union was finalised at the end of December 2024. Umbro has now joined forces with the Fiji Rugby Union to become our new apparel partner for the next five years, starting on January 1, 2025. Our new Umbro equipment has been sent to the Fiji Rugby 7s Men’s and Women’s side, who will also wear it at the upcoming HSBC 7s series match in Perth. As soon as our Umbro apparel is ready for purchase at Tappoos stores, we will formally establish this alliance. The Union is eager to interact with rugby players, supporters, and fans as we embark on this ambitious adventure. Fiji Rugby’s 2025 schedule and future prospects are intriguing.