Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka met with Abdelatif Benazzi, the Vice‑President of the French Rugby Federation and Chairman of the Six Nations Rugby Championship in his office this afternoon.
The meeting provided an opportunity for both sides to discuss ways to strengthen sports diplomacy and enhance Fiji’s ties with France and the wider Europe continent through rugby.
The meeting also underscored rugby’s capacity as a platform for cultural exchange, mutual respect, and strong bilateral relations.
During the meeting, Prime Minister Rabuka expressed gratitude for the influential role France has played in creating pathways for Fijian athletes to excel in the French Top 14 and other premier European competitions.
He shared that this is a conduit for diplomacy, shared opportunity and strong relationships between the two nations.
The head of government emphasised the importance of continuing to strengthen relationships among the Fiji Rugby Union, the French Rugby Federation, and European rugby organisations to nurture more potential Fijian rugby players.
Besides rugby, Prime Minister Rabuka also acknowledged France’s longstanding support and partnership with Fiji, which include cooperation in areas such as education, maritime security, climate action, and cultural exchange, to name a few.
In his remarks, Mr Benazzi thanked the Prime Minister for the opportunity to meet and acknowledged Fiji’s remarkable rugby ethos that have contributed immensely to France’s rugby development endeavours.
He is in the country for a rugby event scheduled to be held in Nadi tomorrow.
At today’s meeting, Mr Benazzi was accompanied by the Fiji Rugby Union board chairman Mr John Sanday and acting CEO, Mr Koli Sewabu.
Mr Benazzi and Mr Sewabu had played against each other in 1999 during a crucial Group C decider between France and Fiji.
