Fiji    

The Fiji rugby team is one of the southern hemisphere’s greatest sides. Nicknamed the ‘Flying Fijians’ by their fans, they compete in the annual Pacific Nations Cup and at the quadrennial Rugby World Cup.

Explore Fiji’s rugby history, record and more right here on this page. Discover the team’s upcoming fixtures and latest results, or learn about the greatest players from the past and present Fiji rugby squads. Take a look below to delve into Fiji’s Rugby World Cup performances and read all of the latest team news.

Fiji at the Pacific Nations Cup

The Fiji rugby team is one of the four sides that compete for the Pacific Nations Cup. Formerly known as the Pacific Tri-Nations, Fiji have participated in the tournament since its inception in 1982. Over the years, the team has established an impressive record in both formats. 

Between 1982 and 2005, Fiji won nine Pacific Tri-Nations. This figure makes them the tournament’s second-most successful nation – Samoa (including appearances as Western Samoa) claimed 11 victories. 

In 2006, the Pacific Tri Nations was replaced by the IRB Pacific 5 Nations, which was then renamed the Pacific Nations Cup. Since then, the Flying Fijians have dominated the competition.

Fiji claimed six Pacific Nations Cup titles between 2013 and 2023. Their most successful streak occurred between 2015 and 2018, when they secured four back-to-back wins. 

Are Fiji in the Rugby World Cup?

With the exception of 1995, the Fiji rugby team has competed in every Rugby World Cup – 1995 was the only year they failed to qualify. Fiji’s best Rugby World Cup finishes were in 1987, 2007 and 2023, when they reached the quarter finals.

In 1987, the Flying Fijians progressed to the quarter finals based on tries scored; they were in a closely contested pool where Fiji, Italy and Argentina all claimed one win apiece. Fiji then faced France in the quarter finals, where they were eliminated 31-16.

In 2007, the Fiji rugby team enjoyed their most successful Rugby World Cup. They won three pool-stage matches including one of the tournament’s biggest upsets: their 38-34 victory over Wales. They met South Africa in the quarter finals and crashed out with a 37-20 defeat.

More recently, Fiji impressed at the 2023 Rugby World Cup. Even though they suffered a shock defeat against Portugal in their final pool game, they defeated both Australia and Georgia in order to reach the quarter-finals. Here, they mounted a valiant second-half comeback against England – this quarter-final clash ended in a 30-24 defeat. 

In contrast, Fiji’s worst Rugby World Cup finish was in 1991. This was the only tournament in which the team failed to win a single match.

The Current Fiji Rugby Squad

As an impressive side, it’s no surprise that the Fiji national rugby union team has hosted some serious talent. To date, two of Fiji’s players have been inducted into the World Rugby Hall of Fame: fly-half Waisale Serevi and fullback Osea Kolinisau (who plays Rugby Sevens).

The team’s former members include Fiji’s most-capped player, fly-half Nicky Little, as well as the skillful lock, Leone Nakarawa. Meanwhile, the current Fiji rugby squad boasts scrum-half Frank Lomani, prop Peni Ravai as well as hooker and team captain, Tevita Ikanivere.

In addition to their impressive players, the Flying Fijians are known for their traditional war dance, the Cibi. The team has performed this before every test match since 1939.

The History of the Fiji Rugby Team

Rugby union in Fiji dates back to the 1880s, when the sport was introduced to Fijians by European soldiers. These European soldiers founded a union in 1913 and went on to contest the country’s first representative match against New Zealand.

Two years later, in 1915, the Fiji Native Union was created and the sport’s popularity grew. Over the next two decades, Fiji played in test series against Tonga and toured New Zealand. 

Post-war, Fiji began to progress and improve their game. They beat the New Zealand Māori in 1951 and 1957, and toured to Australia in 1952 and 1954. Several milestones followed: they completed their first tour of Europe in 1964; thrashed the Barbarians 29-9 in 1971; and defeated the British Lions 25-21 in 1977.

In the modern era, the Fiji national rugby union team has continued to dominate. Today, rugby union is the country’s most popular sport. Fiji currently boasts around 80,000 players – an impressive figure for a population of 925,000.

Fiji in the World Rugby Rankings

The World Rugby Rankings were implemented in 2003. The Fiji rugby team reached their best world ranking, 7th, in 2023. In contrast, Fiji’s worst ranking came in 2011 and 2012, when they dropped down to 16th.