Fiji national rugby union team

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Fiji
Shirt badge/Association crest
Nickname(s)Flying Fijians
EmblemPalm tree
UnionFiji Rugby Union
Head coachVacant
CaptainWaisea Nayacalevu
Most capsNicky Little (71)
Top scorerNicky Little (670)
Top try scorerVereniki Goneva (22)
Home stadiumANZ National Stadium
First colours
Second colours
World Rugby ranking
Current8 (as of 25 September 2023)
Highest7 (2023)
Lowest16 (2011, 2012)
First international
Samoa Western Samoa 0–6 Fiji 
(Apia, Samoa; 18 August 1924)
Biggest win
 Fiji 124–4 Niue 
(Apia, Samoa; 10 September 1983)
Biggest defeat
 New Zealand 91–0 Fiji 
(Auckland, New Zealand; 10 June 2005)
World Cup
Appearances9 (First in 1987)
Best resultQuarterfinals (1987, 2007, 2023)
Websitefijirugby.com

The Fiji national rugby union team represents Fiji in men's international rugby union. Fiji competed in the Pacific Tri-Nations and now competes in its successor tournament Pacific Nations Cup. Fiji also regularly plays test matches during the June and November test windows. They have beaten the major rugby playing sides of Wales, Scotland, Australia, France, Italy, Argentina and England. The only major sides Fiji are yet to beat are New Zealand, South Africa and Ireland.

The "Flying Fijians" as they are nicknamed compete every four years at the Rugby World Cup. Their best performances were the 1987, 2007 and 2023 tournaments when they defeated Argentina, Wales and Australia respectively to reach the quarterfinals.

Fiji is one of the few countries where rugby union is the main sport. There are approximately 80,000 registered players from a total population of around 950,000. One obstacle for Fiji is simply getting their rugby players to play for the national team, as many have contracts in Europe or with Super Rugby teams where the money is far more rewarding. The repatriated salaries of its overseas stars have become an important part of some local economies.

The cibi (pronounced [ˈðimbi]) war dance is performed by the Fiji rugby team before each Test match. It has been used on the rugby field since 1939, though its origins date back to the country's warring times with its Pacific neighbours.

History[edit]

Early years[edit]

Rugby was first played in Fiji by European and Fijian soldiers of the Native Constabulary at Ba, on Viti Levu Island in 1884. In 1913 a Union was founded for the European settlers.

In December 1913, the All Blacks, who had been touring so very successfully in California, were on their way back to New Zealand. The Fiji RFU arranged a game with them at Albert Park, the first representative match to be played in the colony. The Fiji team were Europeans. The All Blacks won 67–3; Fiji's points came from a try scored by their captain and coach, PJ Sheehan. By 1914 a 'native competition' was started and in 1915 a Fiji Native Union was begun and became affiliated to the Fiji RFU.

Inter-war period[edit]

Fiji team in 1924

Fiji played their first international against Western Samoa in Apia, Samoa on 18 August 1924. Fiji's 20-man squad came exclusively from the five registered native clubs of the time. The match was played at 7 am to allow the Samoans time to get to work afterwards and was played on a pitch with a large tree on the halfway line. Fiji wore black and won 6–0 despite playing barefoot. The return match was won 9–3 by Samoa to draw the series. The first-ever Fiji test team continued their overseas adventure with a nine-match tour of Tonga. Though Fiji lost the first test played in Nukuʻalofa 9–6, they were not to lose again, taking the second test 14–3 then drawing the decider 0–0. They won all six of the matches against non-test opposition.

Auckland University College were the first overseas side to visit Fiji in 1926, The Kiwi students played the Fiji Europeans and finished the three-match series with a win, loss and draw. Tonga also visited Fiji that year and for the first time Fiji played in their present strip of white jersey, palm tree badge and black shorts. The three match series finished level with Tonga winning the first test 9–6; Fiji winning the second 14–3 and the final game a 0–0 draw.

During the 1927 season, a General Meeting was called for the purpose of arranging a return visit to New Zealand at the invitation of Auckland University. Some 30 players expressed their willingness to make the trip, but after all arrangements had been made, there were insufficient players available so management cancelled the trip, much to the regret of Auckland.

Fiji team in 1932

Between 1924 and 1938 Fiji and Tonga played three test series every alternate year. During this period this was the only representative rugby union that Fiji played. Matches between the two Pacific nations were hard fought; many have claimed that the ancient feuding wars between the Islanders were transplanted onto the rugby field. Troubles during the third Test of Fiji's 1928 tour to Tonga forced the game to be abandoned with Tonga losing 11–8.

The first New Zealand Māori team to visit Fiji came in 1938. Fijians played in boots for the first time but there was still a tendency to take off boots during the match and throw them to the touch-line. On the five-match tour, the Māori beat Fiji 2nd XV and Fiji Europeans before playing a three match series. The first test ended in a 3–3 draw, the second an 11–5 win for the Fijians and the Māori won the final test 6–3 to square the series.

Fiji team in 1939

In 1939 Fiji toured New Zealand for the first time. Fiji's captain for that tour, Ratu Sir George Cakobau, decided that his side should have a war dance to rival the haka. He approached Ratu Bola, the high chief of the warrior clan of Navusaradave in Bau, who taught them the cibi which has been Fiji's pre-match ritual ever since. With many players still preferring to play barefoot, the Fijians played with a care-free spirit and created history by becoming the first team to go through a full tour of New Zealand unbeaten, winning seven and drawing one, a record that stands to this day. They played and beat the Māori again 14–4.

Post-war era[edit]

Fiji team in 1948

Fiji successfully toured New Zealand again in 1951. They beat the New Zealand Māori 21–14. Fiji's first tour of Australia helped the Australian Rugby Union recover from the brink of bankruptcy in 1952. The Test series was drawn 1–1 in front of record crowds. Australia won the first test 15–9 but the Fijians took the second with a 17–15 win.

A second tour of Australia took place in 1954 and again drew record crowds. Again Australia won the first test but only by 22–19. The test series was drawn 1–1 after Fiji won the second test 18–16. The same year Fiji played host to Western Samoa. Fiji toured New Zealand again in 1957 and beat the Māori 36–13 in Dunedin and 17–8 in Wellington, then defeated a strong Auckland team 38–17.

Fiji team in 1964

In 1964 Fiji toured Europe for the first time, they played five memorable games in Wales, culminating in a classic encounter in Cardiff that was talked about for years. Wales won 28–22 but conceded six tries for just the second time in their history. In 1970 a rampant Fijian side destroyed the Barbarians 29–9 at Gosforth. A last-minute try saw New Zealand safely through 14–13 over Fiji in Suva in 1974.

In August 1977 the British Lions made a stopover in Fiji on the way home from their tour of New Zealand. Fiji beat them 25–21 at Buckhurst Park, Suva. In 1982 Fiji beat Vancouver XV to begin a 15-match winning streak through to 1984.

Modern era[edit]

Fiji played their first full test against Wales in Cardiff in 1985, the home pack dominating in a 40–3 win with two tries to Phil Davies. Fiji were also heavily beaten by Llanelli and Cardiff, but lost by just one point in their test with Ireland.

Wales visited Suva the following year, where captain Dai Pickering's summer tour was to a premature end when he suffered concussion. Richard Moriarty took over and saw his side's 13–0 lead cut to a single point before Wales pulled away for a 15–22 win.

In 1987 Fiji made the quarter-final of the Rugby World Cup and seemed close to beating France according to the match referee, at one point even leading 4-3, but were eventually ground down by the French 31-16. [1]

In 1991 Rugby World Cup Fiji lost all three of its matches and finished bottom of its pool. Wales' third test win over Fiji came in Suva in 1994. The tourists fielded a weakened line-up to allow all their squad a game, but they were good enough to run out 23–8 victors.

Fiji had a troubled tour of Wales and Ireland in 1995, losing six of nine games with defeat to Neath, Cardiff and Pontypridd. However, they managed to run Wales close at the Arms Park, losing only 15–19. They failed to qualify for the 1995 World Cup having lost to Tonga and Western Samoa.

Fiji rebuilt ahead of the 1999 World Cup, new coach Brad Johnstone instilling discipline and determination into their set-piece play. They made a winning start by beating Canada and Namibia and again seemed about to beat France in Toulouse when things went wrong. A controversial refereeing performance from Paddy O'Brien was felt to have cost them a win over France, Fiji losing 28–19. They did make the quarter-final play-off but lost 45–24 to the combative games; England at Twickenham. Soon after the tournament Johnstone departed for Italy.

In 2001 Fiji were crowned Pacific Rim champions, defeating Samoa 28–17 in the final in Tokyo. Fiji's played Wales again at the Millennium Stadium in November 2002. Two tries and 21 points from the boot of Stephen Jones helped the home side to a comfortable 58–14 win.

Fiji began their 2003 Rugby World Cup qualifying campaign in June 2002 when the three leading Pacific Island nations faced each other in a round robin in the second round of the Oceania zone qualifiers. The Fijians started with defeats of Samoa and Tonga, but their loss to Samoa on home soil meant that they had to beat Tonga by more than 20 points to finish top of the pool. This they duly did with a 47–20 win in Nadi. At the World Cup they beat Japan 41–13 and narrowly survived a scare against the US Eagles winning 19–18. However a 20–22 loss against Scotland and an 18–61 beating by France saw them finish third in their pool and fail to qualify for the knock-out stage.

Results since have been mixed for Fiji. Although they have traditionally been the strongest of the Pacific Nations, they were beaten 29–27 by New Zealand Maori in 2004 and went down 91–0 by the All Blacks. In July 2005, five Fiji internationals were banned from playing international rugby for the rest of the year following a drunken brawl in Japan after a Pacific Five Nations match. [1] Their 2007 season started off as one of Fiji's worst seasons. They had a very inexperienced team and lost to both pacific rivals Tonga and Samoa, and suffered heavy defeats to Australia and the Junior All Blacks. The only win for Fiji at the 2007 "Pacific 6 Nations" was against Japan, however they did manage an unexpected 14–14 draw against Australia A. With most of Fiji's more experienced players back in the team Fiji slowly improved in the 2007 world cup to qualify for the quarter finals for the first time in 20 years.

2007 Rugby World Cup[edit]

Fiji vs South Africa at the 2007 RWC

Fiji were placed in Pool B of the 2007 Rugby World Cup along with Wales, Canada, Japan and Australia. After beating Japan and Canada in close matches, Fiji rested several key players against Australia for the crucial game against Wales. Australia defeated Fiji by 55–12. Fiji's fate in the tournament came down to a "winner advances" game against Wales which Fiji won 38–34 and qualified for the quarter-finals for the second time. Former Wallaby great Michael Lynagh described the see-sawing match as one of the best matches "of all time". Fiji lost their quarter final match against South Africa, however their above expectations performance in the tournament resulted in them moving up to 9th in the world rankings – their highest ever position at the time. Shannon Fraser and Gregg Mumm from Australia acted as assistant coaches for the period leading up to the world cup and were accredited for much of the Fijians side's success.[citation needed]

2011 Rugby World Cup[edit]

Fiji presenting Cibi before 2011 Rugby World Cup match against South Africa.

Fiji was placed in Pool D of the 2011 Rugby World Cup along with South Africa, Wales, Samoa and Namibia. Fiji won their first match against Namibia with 49–25. But it could not manage to repeat 2007 World Cup performance. They lost to South Africa, Wales and Samoa with huge margins. Final scores were 3–49 against South Africa, 7–27 against Samoa & 0–66 against Wales.

2023 Rugby World Cup[edit]

Fiji was placed in Pool C of the 2023 Rugby World Cup along with Georgia, Australia, Wales and Portugal. Fiji played against Wales in their opening match and ultimately lost to Wales with 32-26. The match was highly controversial due to the decisions of referee Matthew Carley, whose decisions attracted many complaints from Fijian fans, former rugby players and former Fiji 7s coach Ben Ryan, this was due to his decision to not give Wales a yellow card on multiple warnings after multiple penalties in their red zone and giving Fiji a yellow card after one offense in the red zone. Fiji then played against Australia on the 18th of September and it was a historic match for the team as Fiji beat Australia 15-22 and this was Fiji's first ever victory over Australia since 1954.

Wins against Tier 1 nations[edit]

Fiji have recorded 15 wins against tier 1 opposition. In addition, Fiji drew with Australia 3-3 on 1 July 1961 at the Olympic Park Stadium, Melbourne, Australia, as well as 16-16 with Wales on 19 November 2010 at the Millennium Stadium, Cardiff, Wales.

9 August 1952 Australia  15–17  Fiji Australia Sydney Cricket Ground  
Try: Cox
Shehadie
Stapleton
Windon
Drop: Solomon
Report Try: Ralagi
Salabogi
Con: Vatubua
Pen: Vatubua
Ranavue
Drop: Ranavue
Attendance: 42,004
Referee: Australia Don Furness (Australia)
26 June 1954 Australia  16–18  Fiji Australia Sydney Cricket Ground  
Try: Cross
Shehadie
Con: Barker (2)
Pen: Barker (2)
Report Try: Saukuru
Seruvatu
Pen: Nawalu
Ranavue (3)
Attendance: 33,099
Referee: Australia Don Furness (Australia)
14 June 1980 Fiji  16–3  Italy Fiji National Stadium, Suva  
24 May 1987 Argentina  9–28  Fiji New Zealand Rugby Park, Hamilton  
Try: Travaglini
Con: Porta
Pen: Porta
Report Try: Gale
Naivilawasa
Savai
Nalaga
Con: Koroduadua (2)
Rokowailoa
Pen: Koroduadua
Attendance: 12,000
Referee: Scotland Jim Fleming (Scotland)
26 May 1998 Fiji  51–26  Scotland Fiji National Stadium, Suva  
Try: Lasagavibau (3)
Naevo
Veitayaki
Waqabitu
Con: Little
Serevi (4)
Pen: Little
Serevi
Report Try: Bulloch
Gilmour
Con: Lee (2)
Pen: Lee (4)
Attendance: 20,000
Referee: New Zealand Paul Honiss (New Zealand)
28 August 1999 Italy  32–50  Fiji Italy Stadio Tommaso Fattori, L'Aquila  
Try: Checchinato
Martin
Pucciariello
Con: Domínguez
Pen: Domínguez (5)
Report Try: Satala (2)
Serevi
Tiko
Vunibaka
Con: Little (5)
Pen: Little (5)
Attendance: 5,000
Referee: England Stewart Piercy (England)
15 July 2000 Fiji  43–9  Italy Fiji Churchill Park, Lautoka  
Try: Ligairi
Little
Raiwalui
Satala
Vunibaka
Con: Little (3)
Pen: Little (4)
Report Pen: Mazzariol
Pez (2)
Attendance: 11,000
Referee: South Africa Mark Lawrence (South Africa)
17 July 2006 Fiji  29–18  Italy Fiji Churchill Park, Lautoka  
Try: Caucaunibuca
Ligairi
Rauluni
Salabogi
Con: Bai (3)
Pen: Bai
Report Try: Lo Cicero
Parisse
Con: Pez
Pen: Pez (2)
Referee: South Africa Marius Jonker (South Africa)
29 September 2007 Wales  34–38  Fiji France Stade de la Beaujoire, Nantes  
Try: Popham 34' c
S Williams 45' c
G Thomas 48' m
M Jones 51' c
M Williams 73' m
Con: Hook (1/1)
S Jones (2/4)
Pen: S Jones (1/2) 5'
Report Try: Qera 16' c
Delasau 19' m
Leawere 25' c
Dewes 77' c
Con: Little (3/4)
Pen: Little (4/5) 21', 24' 54', 60'
Attendance: 37,080
Referee: Australia Stuart Dickinson (Australia)
7 June 2014 Fiji  25–14  Italy Fiji National Stadium, Suva[2]  
15:10 FJT (UTC+12) Try: Nadolo 19' m
Waqaniburotu 66' c
Nalaga 79' c
Con: Ralulu (0/1)
Nadolo (2/2) 62', 79'
Pen: Ralulu (0/1)
Nadolo (2/2) 65', 71'
Report
(In Italian)
Try: Penalty Try (2) 9' c, 76' c
Con: Orquera (2/2) 10', 76'
Pen: Orquera (0/2)
Attendance: 12,000
Referee: JP Doyle (England)
17 June 2017 Fiji  22–19  Italy Fiji National Stadium, Suva  
14:40 FJT (UTC+12) Referee: Paul Williams (New Zealand)
24 June 2017 Fiji  27–22  Scotland Fiji ANZ National Stadium, Suva  
14:30 FJT (UTC+12) Try: Yato 37' m
Seniloli 62' c
Con: Volavola (1/2) 63'
Pen: Volavola (5/6) 25', 36', 46', 56', 68'
Try: Ford 30' c
Jackson 53' c
Brown 75' m
Con: Jackson (2/3) 31', 54'
Pen: Jackson (1/1) 61'
Referee: Pascal Gaüzère (France)
24 November 2018 France  14–21  Fiji France Stade de France, Saint-Denis  
21:05 CET (UTC+1) Try: Guirado 25'c, 45' c
Con: Serin (2/2) 25', 46'
Pen: Serin (0/1)
Try: Radradra 21' c
Tuisova 31' m
Con: Volavola (1/2) 21'
Pen: Volavola (3/4) 44', 58', 82'
Attendance: 42 200
Referee: Matthew Carley (England)
26 August 2023 England  22–30  Fiji England Twickenham Stadium, London[3]  
15:15 BST (UTC+01) Try: May 9' m
Smith 57' c
Marchant 68' c
Con: Ford (2/3) 58', 69'
Pen: Ford (1/1) 6'
Try: Nayacalevu 43' c
Habosi 52' c
Kuruvoli 72' c
Con: Muntz (3/3) 44', 54', 74'
Pen: Muntz (3/3) 18', 56', 62'
Attendance: 56,854[4]
Referee: Jaco Peyper (South Africa)
17 September 2023 Australia  15–22  Fiji France Stade Geoffroy-Guichard, Saint-Étienne  
17:45 CEST (UTC+2) Try: Nawaqanitawase 23' m
Suliasi Vunivalu 67' c
Con: Donaldson (1/2) 69'
Pen: Donaldson (1/1) 2'
Report Try: Tuisova 42' c
Con: Kuruvoli (1/1) 43'
Pen: Kuruvoli (4/4) 11', 20', 26', 32'
Lomani (1/3) 65'
Referee: Andrew Brace (Ireland)

Record[edit]

Top 20 as of 18 March 2024[5]
Rank Change* Team Points
1 Steady  South Africa 094.54
2 Steady  Ireland 090.69
3 Steady  New Zealand 089.80
4 Steady  France 087.92
5 Steady  England 085.75
6 Steady  Scotland 082.82
7 Steady  Argentina 080.68
8 Increase1  Italy 079.41
9 Increase1  Australia 077.48
10 Decrease2  Wales 077.26
11 Steady  Fiji 076.38
12 Steady  Japan 074.27
13 Steady  Georgia 074.02
14 Steady  Samoa 072.23
15 Increase1  Tonga 071.57
16 Decrease1  Portugal 070.28
17 Steady  United States 067.94
18 Steady  Uruguay 067.39
19 Steady  Spain 064.37
20 Steady  Romania 061.66
21 Steady  Canada 060.90
22 Steady  Namibia 060.56
23 Steady  Chile 060.49
24 Steady  Hong Kong 059.80
25 Steady  Russia 058.06
26 Steady   Switzerland 057.44
27 Steady  Netherlands 057.29
28 Increase1  Belgium 055.89
29 Decrease1  Brazil 055.37
30 Increase1  Korea 053.46
* Change from the previous week
Fiji's historical rankings
See or edit source data.
Source: World Rugby[5]
Graph updated to 4 March 2024

Below is table of the representative rugby matches played by a Fiji national XV at test level up until 15 October 2023.[6]

Opponent Played Won Lost Drawn Win % For Aga Diff
 Argentina 4 1 3 0 25.0% 96 130 −34
 Australia 23 3 19 1 13.04% 291 665 −374
Barbarian 3 1 2 0 33.37% 59 114 −55
 Belgium 1 1 0 0 100.0% 76 0 +76
 British & Irish Lions 1 1 0 0 100.0% 25 21 +4
 Canada 12 9 3 0 75.0% 409 221 +188
 Canada XV 1 1 0 0 100.0% 13 3 +10
 Chile 1 1 0 0 100.0% 41 16 +25
 Classic All Blacks 1 1 0 0 100.0% 33 14 +19
 Cook Islands 2 2 0 0 100.0% 161 13 +148
 England 9 1 8 0 12.5% 163 355 −192
 England XV 3 0 3 0 0.0% 38 92 −54
 France 11 1 10 0 9.09% 149 407 −258
 France XV 1 0 1 0 0.0% 4 13 −9
 Georgia 7 5 1 1 71.43% 179 97 +82
 Hong Kong 3 3 0 0 100.0% 155 33 +122
 Ireland 5 0 5 0 0.0% 68 207 −139
 Ireland XV 2 0 2 0 0.0% 15 24 −9
 Italy 12 6 6 0 50.0% 275 282 −7
 Japan 19 15 4 0 78.95% 523 358 +165
 Namibia 2 2 0 0 100.0 116 43 +73
 Māori All Blacks 29 7 20 2 24.1% 383 517 −134
 New Zealand 7 0 7 0 0.00% 86 481 −395
 New Zealand XV 5 0 5 0 0.00% 25 155 −130
 Niue 1 1 0 0 100.0% 120 4 +116
 Papua New Guinea 3 3 0 0 100.0% 253 3 +250
 Portugal 3 2 1 0 66.7% 85 54 +31
 Romania 3 2 1 0 66.7% 70 42 +28
 Samoa 55 31 21 3 56.36% 1102 963 +139
 Scotland 9 2 7 0 28.57% 201 286 −85
 Scotland XV 2 0 2 0 0.0% 22 53 −31
 Solomon Islands 2 2 0 0 100.0% 199 13 +186
 South Africa 3 0 3 0 0.0% 41 129 −88
 Spain 2 2 0 0 100.0% 82 33 +49
 Tonga 94 64 27 3 68.09% 1881 1257 +624
 United States 6 5 1 0 83.3% 143 97 +46
 Uruguay 4 3 1 0 75.0% 181 76 +105
 Wales 14 1 12 1 7.14% 211 428 −217
 Wales XV 3 0 3 0 0.0% 33 67 −34
Total 368 179 178 11 48.64% 8007 7766 +241

World Cup record[edit]

Rugby World Cup Qualification
Year Round Pld W D L PF PA Squad Pos Pld W D L PF PA
New Zealand Australia 1987 Quarter-finals 4 1 0 3 72 132 Squad Invited
England France Ireland Scotland Wales 1991 Pool Stage 3 0 0 3 27 63 Squad Automatically qualified
South Africa 1995 Did not qualify 2nd 2 1 0 1 26 34
Wales 1999 Quarter-final play-offs 4 2 0 2 148 113 Squad 2nd 5 4 0 1 151 116
Australia 2003 Pool Stage 4 2 0 2 98 114 Squad 1st 4 3 0 1 123 80
France 2007 Quarter-finals 5 3 0 2 134 173 Squad 2nd 4 3 0 1 74 83
New Zealand 2011 Pool Stage 4 1 0 3 59 167 Squad Automatically qualified
England 2015 Pool Stage 4 1 0 3 84 101 Squad 1st 1 1 0 0 108 6
Japan 2019 Pool Stage 4 1 0 3 110 108 Squad 1st 4 4 0 0 101 60
France 2023 Quarter-finals 5 2 0 3 112 113 Squad Automatically qualified
Total Quarter-finals 37 13 0 24 844 1084 20 16 0 4 583 379
  Champions    Runners-up    Third place    Fourth place Home venue

Pacific Nations Cup[edit]

Fiji previously competed in the Pacific Tri-Nations winning 9 tournaments. The Pacific Nations Cup replaced the Tri-Nations tournament in 2006. Fiji have won six tournaments.

Tournament Won Drawn Lost Fiji finish
2006 2 0 2 3rd / 5
2007 1 1 3 4th / 6
2008 2 0 3 4th / 6
2009 3 0 1 2nd / 5
2010 2 0 1 2nd / 4
2011 1 0 2 4th / 4
2012 2 0 1 2nd / 4
2013 3 0 1 1st / 5
2014 1 0 1 2nd / 3
2015 2 1 0 1st / 6
2016 2 0 0 1st / 3
2017 2 0 0 1st / 3
2018 2 0 0 1st / 4
2019 2 0 1 2nd / 6
2022 1 0 2 3rd / 4
2023 3 0 0 1st / 4
Total 31 2 18 6 titles

Kit history[edit]

Fiji traditionally plays with a home kit consisting of a white shirt, black shorts and black and white hooped socks. The away kit traditionally used to be a white and black hooped shirt with white shorts and hooped socks, although since KooGa's tenure as supplier, colours such as light blue or black were used. Since 2010, some jerseys started to have patterns similar to those found on the masi cloths on the jersey designs.

Kit suppliers[edit]

Period Kit manufacturer Main shirt sponsor
1970–2003 Canterbury National Bank of Fiji
Vodafone
2004–2005 Cotton Traders Digicel
2005–2016 KooGaBLK Fiji Flour Mills
Fiji Airways
Vodafone
2017–2021 ISC Fiji Airways
Vodafone
Swire Shipping
2021–present Nike Fiji Water
1987 Home
1991 Home
1999-03 Home
1999 Alternate
2007 Home
2011 Home
2015 Home
2017 Home
2019 Home
2020 Home
2021 Home

Players[edit]

Current squad[edit]

On 8 August, head coach Simon Raiwalui named a 33-player squad for the 2023 Rugby World Cup.[7]

Head Coach: Fiji Simon Raiwalui

  • Caps Updated: 26 August 2023
Player Position Date of birth (age) Caps Club/province
Tevita Ikanivere Hooker (1999-09-06) 6 September 1999 (age 24) 13 Fiji Fijian Drua
Sam Matavesi Hooker (1992-01-13) 13 January 1992 (age 32) 31 England Northampton Saints
Zuriel Togiatama Hooker (1999-02-03) 3 February 1999 (age 25) 3 Fiji Fijian Drua
Mesake Doge Prop (1993-04-01) 1 April 1993 (age 30) 14 Fiji Fijian Drua
Jone Koroiduadua Prop (1999-03-10) 10 March 1999 (age 25) 2 Fiji Fijian Drua
Eroni Mawi Prop (1996-06-02) 2 June 1996 (age 27) 31 England Saracens
Peni Ravai Prop (1990-06-16) 16 June 1990 (age 33) 46 Australia Reds
Luke Tagi Prop (1997-06-23) 23 June 1997 (age 26) 14 France Provence
Samu Tawake Prop (1996-09-11) 11 September 1996 (age 27) 4 Fiji Fijian Drua
Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta Lock (1998-04-12) 12 April 1998 (age 25) 9 Fiji Fijian Drua
Temo Mayanavanua Lock (1997-11-09) 9 November 1997 (age 26) 16 England Northampton Saints
Isoa Nasilasila Lock (1999-09-13) 13 September 1999 (age 24) 12 Fiji Fijian Drua
Lekima Tagitagivalu Lock (1995-12-04) 4 December 1995 (age 28) 6 France Pau
Levani Botia Back row (1989-03-14) 14 March 1989 (age 35) 30 France La Rochelle
Meli Derenalagi Back row (1998-11-26) 26 November 1998 (age 25) 5 Fiji Fijian Drua
Viliame Mata Back row (1991-10-22) 22 October 1991 (age 32) 30 Scotland Edinburgh
Vilive Miramira Back row (1999-03-21) 21 March 1999 (age 24) 2 Fiji Fijian Drua
Albert Tuisue Back row (1993-06-06) 6 June 1993 (age 30) 26 England Gloucester
Simione Kuruvoli Scrum-half (1999-01-02) 2 January 1999 (age 25) 10 Fiji Fijian Drua
Frank Lomani Scrum-half (1996-04-18) 18 April 1996 (age 27) 32 Fiji Fijian Drua
Ratu Peni Matawalu Scrum-half (1997-07-08) 8 July 1997 (age 26) 7 Fiji Fijian Drua
Caleb Muntz Fly-half (1999-10-30) 30 October 1999 (age 24) 4 Fiji Fijian Drua
Teti Tela Fly-half (1991-03-07) 7 March 1991 (age 33) 11 Fiji Fijian Drua
Iosefo Masi Centre (1998-05-09) 9 May 1998 (age 25) 3 Fiji Fijian Drua
Waisea Nayacalevu (c) Centre (1990-06-26) 26 June 1990 (age 33) 40 France Toulon
Semi Radradra Centre (1992-06-13) 13 June 1992 (age 31) 18 France Lyon
Josua Tuisova Centre (1994-02-04) 4 February 1994 (age 30) 25 France Racing 92
Vinaya Habosi Wing (2000-01-30) 30 January 2000 (age 24) 11 France Racing 92
Kalaveti Ravouvou Wing (1998-06-06) 6 June 1998 (age 25) 6 England Bristol Bears
Selestino Ravutaumada Wing (2000-01-17) 17 January 2000 (age 24) 7 Fiji Fijian Drua
Jiuta Wainiqolo Wing (1999-03-10) 10 March 1999 (age 25) 8 France Toulon
Ilaisa Droasese Fullback (1999-09-13) 13 September 1999 (age 24) 7 Fiji Fijian Drua
Sireli Maqala Fullback (2000-03-21) 21 March 2000 (age 23) 6 France Bayonne

Player records[edit]

Most caps[edit]

# Player Pos Span Mat Start Sub Won Lost Draw %
1 Nicky Little Fly-half 1996–2011 71 60 11 37 34 0 52.11
2 Leone Nakarawa Lock 2009–2021 66 61 5 34 30 2 52.34
3 Akapusi Qera Flanker 2005–2018 64 55 9 32 30 2 51.56
4 Campese Ma'afu Prop 2010–2019 62 52 10 31 29 2 51.61
5 Vereniki Goneva Centre 2007–2019 59 49 10 28 29 2 49.15
6 Sunia Koto Hooker 2005–2017 57 47 10 30 26 1 53.50
7 Seremaia Bai Centre 2000–2016 53 50 3 27 25 1 51.88
8 Manasa Saulo Prop 2012-2022 51 38 13 27 23 1 56.38
Dominiko Waqaniburotu Flanker 2010–2019 51 49 2 28 23 0 54.90
10 Jacob Rauluni Scrum-half 1995–2006 49 40 9 26 23 0 53.06
Joeli Veitayaki Prop 1994–2003 49 45 4 26 23 0 53.06

Last updated: England vs Fiji, 15 October 2023. Statistics include officially capped matches only.

Most tries[edit]

# Player Pos Span Mat Start Sub Pts Tries
1 Vereniki Goneva Centre 2007–2019 59 49 10 110 22
Nemani Nadolo Wing 2010–2021 32 30 2 237 22
3 Sanivalati Laulau Wing 1980–1985 32 32 0 80 20
4 Norman Ligairi Fullback 2000–2010 47 39 8 85 17
Waisea Nayacalevu Wing 2012–present 40 34 6 85 17
6 Timoci Nagusa Wing 2008–2018 33 26 7 80 16
Viliame Satala Centre 1999–2005 29 27 2 80 16
8 Fero Lasagavibau Wing 1997–2002 23 20 3 75 15
9 Leone Nakarawa Lock 2009–2021 66 61 5 65 13
Metuisela Talebula Wing 2012–2018 24 22 2 73 13
Aisea Tuilevu Wing 1996–2004 19 18 1 65 13

Last updated: England vs Fiji, 15 October 2023. Statistics include officially capped matches only.

Most points[edit]

# Player Pos Span Mat Start Sub Pts Tries Conv Pens Drop
1 Nicky Little Fly-half 1996–2011 71 60 11 670 2 117 140 2
2 Seremaia Bai Centre 2000–2016 53 50 3 321 5 58 59 1
3 Ben Volavola Fly-half 2015–present 44 38 6 294 4 74 41 1
4 Severo Koroduadua Fullback 1982–1991 27 27 0 268 0 56 47 5
5 Nemani Nadolo Wing 2010–2021 32 30 2 237 22 32 21 0
6 Waisale Serevi Fly-half 1989–2003 38 23 15 221 11 40 27 3
7 Vereniki Goneva Centre 2007–2019 59 49 10 110 22 0 0 0
8 Taniela Rawaqa Fullback 2007–2011 17 13 4 103 4 19 15 0
9 Norman Ligairi Fullback 2000–2010 47 39 8 85 17 0 0 0
Waisea Nayacalevu Wing 2012–present 40 34 6 85 17 0 0 0

Last updated: England vs Fiji, 15 October 2023. Statistics include officially capped matches only.

Most points in a match[edit]

# Player Pos Pts Tries Conv Pens Drop Opposition Venue Date
1. Severo Koroduadua Fullback 36 0 18 0 0  Niue Samoa Apia 10 September 1983
2. Semesa Sikivou Scrum-half 27 1 12 0 0  Solomon Islands Papua New Guinea Port Moresby 21 August 1969
3. Nicky Little Fly-half 25 0 5 5 0  Italy Italy L'Aquila 28 August 1999
4. Tevita Makutu Wing 24 6 0 0 0  Papua New Guinea Fiji Suva 30 August 1979
Sanivalati Laulau Wing 24 6 0 0 0  Solomon Islands Samoa Apia 8 September 1983
Nicky Little Fly-half 24 0 6 4 0  Hong Kong Hong Kong Hong Kong 29 September 1996
7. Nicky Little Fly-half 23 1 3 4 0  Italy Fiji Lautoka 15 July 2000
Nicky Little Fly-half 23 0 1 7 0  Samoa Japan Tokyo 8 July 2001
Ben Volavola Fly-half 23 1 9 0 0  Uruguay England Hartpury 17 November 2018
10. 6 players on 22 points

Last updated: England vs Fiji, 15 October 2023. Statistics include officially capped matches only.

Most tries in a match[edit]

# Player Pos Pts Tries Conv Pens Drop Opposition Venue Date
1. Tevita Makutu Wing 24 6 0 0 0  Papua New Guinea Fiji Suva 30 August 1979
Sanivalati Laulau Wing 24 6 0 0 0  Solomon Islands Samoa Apia 8 September 1983
3. George Sailosi Wing 15 5 0 0 0  Papua New Guinea Papua New Guinea Port Moresby 18 August 1969
4. 9 players on 4 tries

Last updated: England vs Fiji, 15 October 2023. Statistics include officially capped matches only.

Most matches as captain[edit]

# Player Pos Span Mat Won Lost Draw % Pts Tries
1 Akapusi Qera Flanker 2011–2018 38 22 15 1 59.21 20 4
2 Greg Smith Hooker 1996–2003 30 17 13 0 56.66 5 1
3 Esala Teleni Number 8 1983–1989 19 8 11 0 42.10 28 7
4 Mosese Rauluni Scrum-half 2004–2008 17 10 7 0 58.82 5 1
5 Dominiko Waqaniburotu Flanker 2010–2019 16 8 8 0 50.00 10 2
6 Waisea Nayacalevu Wing 2020–present 15 7 7 1 50.00 40 8
7 Epi Bolawaqatabu Number 8 1969–1973 12 6 5 1 54.16 21 7
Deacon Manu Prop 2010–2012 12 3 8 1 29.16 0 0
9 Alifereti Doviverata Number 8 2001–2007 11 4 7 0 36.36 5 1
Simon Raiwalui Lock 1999–2006 11 7 4 0 63.63 5 1

Last updated: England vs Fiji, 15 October 2023. Statistics include officially capped matches only.

Notable players[edit]

Nat Uluiviti, who also played for the Fiji national cricket team.

Coaches[edit]

Years Coach
1954 New Zealand William Goodsir
1964 Australia Douglas Walkden-Brown
1987 Fiji Jo Sovau
1987-1991 New Zealand George Simpkin
1989–1991 Fiji Samisoni Viriviri Sr
1996 Fiji Meli Kurisaru
1996–1999 New Zealand Brad Johnstone
2000–2001 Australia Greg Smith
2001–2002 Fiji Ifereimi Tawake (caretaker)
2002–2003 New Zealand Mac McCallion
2004–2007 New Zealand Wayne Pivac
2007–2008 Fiji Ilivasi Tabua
2009–2010 New Zealand Mike Brewer
2010–2011 Fiji Sam Domoni
2012–2014 Fiji Inoke Male
2014–2019 New Zealand John McKee
2020–2023 New Zealand Vern Cotter
2023 Fiji Simon Raiwalui

See also[edit]

Notes[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ "Rugby World Cup: The Tongan priest, Fijian panache and airport training". Rugby World. 8 September 2015. Retrieved 8 September 2015.
  2. ^ "Test-match di giugno: Italrugby contro Fiji, Samoa e Giappone". onrugby.it. 31 December 2013. Retrieved 31 December 2013.
  3. ^ "England will play two home fixtures at Twickenham next summer as part of their preparation for the 2023 Rugby World Cup". 3 October 2022. Retrieved 3 October 2022.
  4. ^ Coles, Ben (26 August 2023). "England in disarray going into Rugby World Cup after shock Fiji defeat". The Telegraph. Retrieved 26 August 2023.
  5. ^ a b "Men's World Rankings". World Rugby. Retrieved 18 March 2024.
  6. ^ Fiji rugby statistics
  7. ^ "Flying Fijians 33-member squad named for 2023 Rugby World Cup in France". 8 August 2023.

Sources[edit]

External links[edit]