Fiji_national_rugby_union_team
Fiji national rugby union team
National sports team
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.
 | |||
| Nickname(s) | Flying Fijians | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Emblem | Palm tree | ||
| Union | Fiji Rugby Union | ||
| Head coach | Mick Byrne | ||
| Captain | Waisea Nayacalevu | ||
| Most caps | Nicky Little (71) | ||
| Top scorer | Nicky Little (670) | ||
| Top try scorer | Vereniki Goneva (22) | ||
| Home stadium | ANZ National Stadium | ||
| |||
| World Rugby ranking | |||
| Current | 8 (as of 25 September 2023) | ||
| Highest | 7 (2023) | ||
| Lowest | 16 (2011, 2012) | ||
| First international | |||
 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 | |||
| Appearances | 9 (First in 1987) | ||
| Best result | Quarterfinals (1987, 2007, 2023) | ||
Medal record | |||
| Website | fijirugby.com | ||
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.
Early years
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
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.
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.
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
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.
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
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. 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
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
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
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.
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 |
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: Don Furness (Australia) |
| 26 June 1954 | Australia |
16–18 | Fiji |
Sydney Cricket Ground |
|
| Try: Cross Shehadie Con: Barker (2) Pen: Barker (2) |
Report | Try: Saukuru Seruvatu Pen: Nawalu Ranavue (3) |
Attendance: 33,099 Referee: Don Furness (Australia) |
| 14 June 1980 | Fiji |
16–3 |  Italy |
National Stadium, Suva |
|
| 24 May 1987 | Argentina  |
9–28 | Fiji |
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:  Jim Fleming (Scotland) |
| 26 May 1998 | Fiji |
51–26 | Scotland |
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: Paul Honiss (New Zealand) |
| 28 August 1999 | Italy |
32–50 | Fiji |
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:  Stewart Piercy (England) |
| 15 July 2000 | Fiji |
43–9 | Italy |
Churchill Park, Lautoka |
|
| Try: Ligairi Little Raiwalui Satala Vunibaka Con: Little (3) Pen: Little (4) |
Report | Pen: Mazzariol Pez (2) |
Attendance: 11,000 Referee:  Mark Lawrence (South Africa) |
| 17 July 2006 | Fiji |
29–18 | Italy |
Churchill Park, Lautoka |
|
| Try: Caucaunibuca Ligairi Rauluni Salabogi Con: Bai (3) Pen: Bai |
Report | Try: Lo Cicero Parisse Con: Pez Pen: Pez (2) |
Referee: Marius Jonker (South Africa) |
| 29 September 2007 | Wales  |
34–38 | Fiji |
 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: Stuart Dickinson (Australia) |
| 7 June 2014 | Fiji |
25–14 | Italy |
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 |
National Stadium, Suva |
|
| 14:40 FJT (UTC+12) | Referee: Paul Williams (New Zealand) |
| 24 June 2017 | Fiji |
27–22 | Scotland |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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) |
Men's World Rugby Rankings Top 20 as of 18 March 2024[5] | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | Change* | Team | Points | ||
| 1 |  | South Africa | 094.54 | ||
| 2 | |  Ireland | 090.69 | ||
| 3 | | New Zealand | 089.80 | ||
| 4 | | France | 087.92 | ||
| 5 | | England | 085.75 | ||
| 6 | | Scotland | 082.82 | ||
| 7 | | Argentina | 080.68 | ||
| 8 |  1 | Italy | 079.41 | ||
| 9 | 1 | Australia | 077.48 | ||
| 10 |  2 | Wales | 077.26 | ||
| 11 | | Fiji | 076.38 | ||
| 12 | |  Japan | 074.27 | ||
| 13 | |  Georgia | 074.02 | ||
| 14 | |  Samoa | 072.23 | ||
| 15 | 1 |  Tonga | 071.57 | ||
| 16 | 1 |  Portugal | 070.28 | ||
| 17 | |  United States | 067.94 | ||
| 18 | |  Uruguay | 067.39 | ||
| 19 | |  Spain | 064.37 | ||
| 20 | |  Romania | 061.66 | ||
| 21 | |  Canada | 060.90 | ||
| 22 | |  Namibia | 060.56 | ||
| 23 | |  Chile | 060.49 | ||
| 24 | |  Hong Kong | 059.80 | ||
| 25 | |  Russia | 058.06 | ||
| 26 | |  Switzerland | 057.44 | ||
| 27 | |  Netherlands | 057.29 | ||
| 28 | 1 |  Belgium | 055.89 | ||
| 29 | 1 |  Brazil | 055.37 | ||
| 30 | 1 |  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
| Rugby World Cup | Qualification | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year | Round | Pld | W | D | L | PF | PA | Squad | Pos | Pld | W | D | L | PF | PA | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1987 |
Quarter-finals | 4 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 72 | 132 | Squad | Invited | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1991 |
Pool Stage | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 27 | 63 | Squad | Automatically qualified | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1995 |
Did not qualify | 2nd | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 26 | 34 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1999 |
Quarter-final play-offs | 4 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 148 | 113 | Squad | 2nd | 5 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 151 | 116 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2003 |
Pool Stage | 4 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 98 | 114 | Squad | 1st | 4 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 123 | 80 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2007 |
Quarter-finals | 5 | 3 | 0 | 2 | 134 | 173 | Squad | 2nd | 4 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 74 | 83 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2011 |
Pool Stage | 4 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 59 | 167 | Squad | Automatically qualified | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2015 |
Pool Stage | 4 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 84 | 101 | Squad | 1st | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 108 | 6 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2019 |
Pool Stage | 4 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 110 | 108 | Squad | 1st | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 101 | 60 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 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 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Pacific Nations Cup
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 |
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
| Period | Kit manufacturer | Main shirt sponsor |
|---|---|---|
| 1970–2003 | Canterbury | National Bank of Fiji |
| Vodafone | ||
| 2004–2005 | Cotton Traders | Digicel |
| 2005–2016 | KooGa–BLK | 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
|
Current squad
On 8 August, head coach Simon Raiwalui named a 33-player squad for the 2023 Rugby World Cup.[7]
Head Coach: 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 | Fijian Drua |
| Sam Matavesi | Hooker | (1992-01-13) 13 January 1992 (age 32) | 31 | Northampton Saints |
| Zuriel Togiatama | Hooker | (1999-02-03) 3 February 1999 (age 25) | 3 | Fijian Drua |
| Mesake Doge | Prop | (1993-04-01) 1 April 1993 (age 31) | 14 | Fijian Drua |
| Jone Koroiduadua | Prop | (1999-03-10) 10 March 1999 (age 25) | 2 | Fijian Drua |
| Eroni Mawi | Prop | (1996-06-02) 2 June 1996 (age 27) | 31 | Saracens |
| Peni Ravai | Prop | (1990-06-16) 16 June 1990 (age 33) | 46 | Reds |
| Luke Tagi | Prop | (1997-06-23) 23 June 1997 (age 26) | 14 | Provence |
| Samu Tawake | Prop | (1996-09-11) 11 September 1996 (age 27) | 4 | Fijian Drua |
| Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta | Lock | (1998-04-12) 12 April 1998 (age 26) | 9 | Fijian Drua |
| Temo Mayanavanua | Lock | (1997-11-09) 9 November 1997 (age 26) | 16 | Northampton Saints |
| Isoa Nasilasila | Lock | (1999-09-13) 13 September 1999 (age 24) | 12 | Fijian Drua |
| Lekima Tagitagivalu | Lock | (1995-12-04) 4 December 1995 (age 28) | 6 | Pau |
| Levani Botia | Back row | (1989-03-14) 14 March 1989 (age 35) | 30 | La Rochelle |
| Meli Derenalagi | Back row | (1998-11-26) 26 November 1998 (age 25) | 5 | Fijian Drua |
| Viliame Mata | Back row | (1991-10-22) 22 October 1991 (age 32) | 30 | Edinburgh |
| Vilive Miramira | Back row | (1999-03-21) 21 March 1999 (age 25) | 2 | Fijian Drua |
| Albert Tuisue | Back row | (1993-06-06) 6 June 1993 (age 30) | 26 | Gloucester |
| Simione Kuruvoli | Scrum-half | (1999-01-02) 2 January 1999 (age 25) | 10 | Fijian Drua |
| Frank Lomani | Scrum-half | (1996-04-18) 18 April 1996 (age 28) | 32 | Fijian Drua |
| Ratu Peni Matawalu | Scrum-half | (1997-07-08) 8 July 1997 (age 26) | 7 | Fijian Drua |
| Caleb Muntz | Fly-half | (1999-10-30) 30 October 1999 (age 24) | 4 | Fijian Drua |
| Teti Tela | Fly-half | (1991-03-07) 7 March 1991 (age 33) | 11 | Fijian Drua |
| Iosefo Masi | Centre | (1998-05-09) 9 May 1998 (age 25) | 3 | Fijian Drua |
| Waisea Nayacalevu (c) | Centre | (1990-06-26) 26 June 1990 (age 33) | 40 | Toulon |
| Semi Radradra | Centre | (1992-06-13) 13 June 1992 (age 31) | 18 | Lyon |
| Josua Tuisova | Centre | (1994-02-04) 4 February 1994 (age 30) | 25 | Racing 92 |
| Vinaya Habosi | Wing | (2000-01-30) 30 January 2000 (age 24) | 11 | Racing 92 |
| Kalaveti Ravouvou | Wing | (1998-06-06) 6 June 1998 (age 25) | 6 | Bristol Bears |
| Selestino Ravutaumada | Wing | (2000-01-17) 17 January 2000 (age 24) | 7 | Fijian Drua |
| Jiuta Wainiqolo | Wing | (1999-03-10) 10 March 1999 (age 25) | 8 | Toulon |
| Ilaisa Droasese | Fullback | (1999-09-13) 13 September 1999 (age 24) | 7 | Fijian Drua |
| Sireli Maqala | Fullback | (2000-03-21) 21 March 2000 (age 24) | 6 | Bayonne |
 | This section needs additional citations for verification. (November 2021) |
Most caps
| # | 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
| # | 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
| # | 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
| # | Player | Pos | Pts | Tries | Conv | Pens | Drop | Opposition | Venue | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Severo Koroduadua | Fullback | 36 | 0 | 18 | 0 | 0 | Niue | Apia | 10 September 1983 |
| 2. | Semesa Sikivou | Scrum-half | 27 | 1 | 12 | 0 | 0 | Solomon Islands |  Port Moresby | 21 August 1969 |
| 3. | Nicky Little | Fly-half | 25 | 0 | 5 | 5 | 0 | Italy | L'Aquila | 28 August 1999 |
| 4. | Tevita Makutu | Wing | 24 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Papua New Guinea | Suva | 30 August 1979 |
| Sanivalati Laulau | Wing | 24 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Solomon Islands | Apia | 8 September 1983 | |
| Nicky Little | Fly-half | 24 | 0 | 6 | 4 | 0 |  Hong Kong | Hong Kong | 29 September 1996 | |
| 7. | Nicky Little | Fly-half | 23 | 1 | 3 | 4 | 0 | Italy | Lautoka | 15 July 2000 |
| Nicky Little | Fly-half | 23 | 0 | 1 | 7 | 0 | Samoa | Tokyo | 8 July 2001 | |
| Ben Volavola | Fly-half | 23 | 1 | 9 | 0 | 0 | Uruguay | 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
| # | Player | Pos | Pts | Tries | Conv | Pens | Drop | Opposition | Venue | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Tevita Makutu | Wing | 24 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Papua New Guinea | Suva | 30 August 1979 |
| Sanivalati Laulau | Wing | 24 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Solomon Islands | Apia | 8 September 1983 | |
| 3. | George Sailosi | Wing | 15 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 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
| # | 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.
- Sireli Bobo
- Alex Rokobaro
- Rupeni Caucaunibuca
- Bill Cavubati
- Vilimoni Delasau
- Alivereti Doviverata
- Sisa Koyamaibole
- Sunia Koto
- Maleli Kunavore
- Kele Leawere
- Josefa Levula
- Norman Ligairi
- Nicky Little
- Isa Nacewa
- Noa Nadruku
- Apenisa Naevo
- Semisi Naevo
- Sireli Naqelevuki
- Timoci Nagusa
- Napolioni Nalaga
- Seru Rabeni
- Simon Raiwalui
- Kameli Ratuvou
- Jacob Rauluni
- Mosese Rauluni
- Iferemi Rawaqa
- Apolosi Satala
- Viliame Satala
- Waisale Serevi
- Ilivasi Tabua
- Netani Talei
- Setareki Tawake
- Aisea Tuilevu
- Joeli Veitayaki
- Joeli Vidiri
- Marika Vunibaka
- Akapusi Qera
Nat Uluiviti, who also played for the Fiji national cricket team.
| Years | Coach |
|---|---|
| 1954 | William Goodsir |
| 1964 | Douglas Walkden-Brown |
| 1987 | Jo Sovau |
| 1987-1991 | George Simpkin |
| 1989–1991 | Samisoni Viriviri Sr |
| 1996 | Meli Kurisaru |
| 1996–1999 | Brad Johnstone |
| 2000–2001 | Greg Smith |
| 2001–2002 | Ifereimi Tawake (caretaker) |
| 2002–2003 | Mac McCallion |
| 2004–2007 | Wayne Pivac |
| 2007–2008 | Ilivasi Tabua |
| 2009–2010 | Mike Brewer |
| 2010–2011 | Sam Domoni |
| 2012–2014 | Inoke Male |
| 2014–2019 | John McKee |
| 2020–2023 | Vern Cotter |
| 2023 | Simon Raiwalui |
| 2024-present | Mick Byrne |
- "Rugby World Cup: The Tongan priest, Fijian panache and airport training". Rugby World. 8 September 2015. Retrieved 8 September 2015.
- "Test-match di giugno: Italrugby contro Fiji, Samoa e Giappone". onrugby.it. 31 December 2013. Retrieved 31 December 2013.
- "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.
- Coles, Ben (26 August 2023). "England in disarray going into Rugby World Cup after shock Fiji defeat". The Telegraph. Retrieved 26 August 2023.
- "Men's World Rankings". World Rugby. Retrieved 18 March 2024.
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