The Fiji National Rugby League (FNRL) is spearheading discussions for new regional tournaments aimed at creating playing opportunities for local players in the region.
FNRL chairman Rajesh Singh has confirmed that discussions are being held with New Zealand Rugby League (NZRL) and Asia Pacific Rugby League (APRL) to establish a Nines (9s) tournament series in the Pacific.
At the same time, there are also plans to have a 13-a-side tournament similar to rugby union’s Pacific Nations Cup (PNC).
Singh told local media in Suva last week the new 9s tournament would feature Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, Cook Islands, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea.
“It will include all local players and it’ll be a pathway for our local resident club players,” Singh confirmed to local media.
“We need to give our local players in the islands the opportunity to have competitive matches so they can also develop their skills and knowledge of the game.”
The 13-a-side tournament will follow the same format as the PNC, which had Fiji, Samoa and Tonga initially, but now includes Japan, Canada and the United States of America.
Singh said they also want test matches with the future Kiwis’ teams and the Māori selections.
“We’re going to have more discussions to make rugby league great again,” he added.
NZRL chairman Justin Leydesdoff told local media in Suva that they are working with FNRL to grow the game in the country by providing opportunities for resident club teams.
“We’re (NZ) in the same pool with Fiji in the World Cup and Fiji has done well against the Kiwis previously, so I can commit to supporting Fiji in every game, except against the Kiwis and Kiwi Ferns,” he said.
“We have a long and strong relationship as a country and as a sport. It’s about having close relations to ensure that we maximise the opportunities there.”
APRL chairman Sandis Tsaka said they were assisting Pacific countries in developing the game.
“There’s been a structured pathway and programs for elite players, but we feel we can do more within our region for our domestic competitions to support our young people,” he said.
“The issues and challenges are the same across the region as discussed over the last 12 days.”
India, China and stadium talks
Meanwhile, Singh said the FNRL is also in discussion with India and China on possible assistance for the construction of a stadium.
Fiji signed up to Australia’s Pacific Rugby League Partnership last month, with that funding expected to boost the sport locally, especially in boosting youth and women’s development.
Singh said as part of their focus on getting a NRL spot for a franchise club the FNRL would need to have a proper stadium to host NRL matches.
He confirmed discussions have started with both India, who have just been voted in as a member of the international federation, and China.
Singh said to be considered for NRL inclusion Fiji must have upgraded facilities, including a custom built stadium.
“That is important and we want to have that here,” he said.
As far as the upcoming Rugby League World Cup (RLWC) is concerned, Singh said they have a 40-member squads registered with International Rugby League, for both the men and women’s teams.
Those squads will be reduced to 23-members each ahead of the RLWC, which is scheduled for Australia and Papua New Guinea from 15 October to 15 November.
