'Commitment to building bridges through rugby' - FRU and China sign MOU
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Fiji and China have signed a rugby deal.
Fiji Rakavi Football Union (FRU) trustee representative Jenny Seeto signed the memorandum of understanding with Wang Yun, President of the China Rugby Football Association (CRFA).
A statement out of the FRU's Rugby House headquarters in Suva said the MOU focuses on elevating the sport in both nations.
"This MOU is more than a document; it is a commitment to building bridges through rugby," Seeto said.
"For Fiji, China offers vast potential for competition, career development, and youth training.
"For China, Fiji's rugby talent and coaching expertise will accelerate the sport's growth and global reach."
Discussions explored mutual interests, including building competitive team frameworks, talent development pathways, and deepening sports diplomacy between Fiji and China.
FRU board chairman and a former Flying Fijian, John Sanday, said the agreement is an exciting step for both unions.
"We look forward to joint initiatives such as rugby academies, youth exchanges, and high-performance programs that will benefit athletes and communities in both countries," Sanday said.
Wang Yun said China is interested in two areas, talent development and grassroots growth.
He said they want to utilise Fiji's elite coaching systems to establish a three-tier national team structure in China aimed at building stronger, more competitive teams for international competition.
With Fiji's support, the Chinese union plans to develop a mature competitive framework by launching branded events and expanding rugby's reach among Chinese youth and communities.
"This MOU is not limited to five years - it is a gateway to a lasting partnership," he said.
"Together, we will promote cultural exchange, host joint international events, and create deeper bonds through the language of sport."
Fijian coaches have been actively involved with China in the past.
Former sevens captain and current Fiji men's head coach, Osea Kolinisau, had two seasons as coach of the China national women's team, alongside another former Fijian rplayer, Setefaco Cakau.
Former player Ben Soso is the current coach for Huagan Rugby Club.
Soso said they will leverage Huagan Rugby Club's role as a bridge and link to create new opportunities and generate new value for the growth of rugby in both countries.
Several Fijian stars had also played rugby in China, including Mariana Talatoka of the Fijiana 7s team, who joined Huagan Rugby in May 2022; and current Fiji men's player Joji Nasova, who played for Huagan Rugby from 2022 to 2023.
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