Rugby league in Fiji
National team	Fiji
Nickname(s)	Batis
First played	1992
Competitions
National
- Rugby League World Cup
- Four Nations
Club
- Fjij National Rugby League Competition

Rugby league, or rakavi saumi as it is also known there,^[1] is a popular team sport played in Fiji since 1992 when the country was included in the World Sevens.^[2]

Contents 1 History 2 Popularity 3 Fiji National Rugby League (FNRL) 4 The National Team 5 Notable Players 6 References 7 See also 8 External links

[edit] History

The game was introduced to Fiji only in 1992 but despite this there has been a long history of Fijian players making their mark in rugby league, most notably back in the 1960s when great players such as Joe Levula and Laitia Ravouvou joined Rochdale Hornets and became household names in the English competition.

[edit] Popularity

The Fijian rugby league competition is a healthy and progressing competition. [1]

The competition consists of nine teams. There are rumors of expansion to 10 in 2005/2006^{[citation needed]}.

The administration of rugby league in Fiji has focused more on building the skills base of their players to the levels of the larger rugby league nations rather than those they're used to playing in the Pacific Cup or Pacific Rim Championship^{[citation needed]}.

[edit] Fiji National Rugby League (FNRL)

The Fjij National Rugby League Competition comprises the following teams:

Eastern Conference:

• Nabua Broncos
• Tailevu Rabbitohs
• Dee Cees Nadera Panthers
• Mango Bay Cowboys
• Makoi Bulldogs
• Hiway Stabilzers QVS Sharks

Western Conference:

• Nadi Eels
• Saru Dragons
• Vaturu Roosters (in formation)
• Lautoka Crushers (in formation)
• Namoli Knights (in formation)

[edit] The National Team

[edit] Notable Players

Fiji has produced some of the finest rugby league players in the world. Notable examples include Lote Tuqiri and Petero Civoniceva, both of whom have played for Australia in international test matches, Queensland in the State of Origin series and the Brisbane Broncos in Australian club grand final victories.

[edit] References

[edit] See also

• Fiji national rugby league team
• Sport in Fiji

[edit] External links

• Fiji history from playtheball.com

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