China Rugby Football Association and Fiji Rugby Union Trust Sign Landmark MoU to Propel Rugby Development

In a significant step toward global rugby development and cooperation, the China Rugby Football Association (CRFA) and the Fiji Rakavi Football Union LTD  have signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Beijing on May 28, 2025.

The MoU outlines a comprehensive partnership focused on elevating the sport in both nations through shared expertise, strategic exchanges, and joint development programs.

The signing took place following a productive meeting between Mr. Wang Yun, President of the CRFA, and Ms. Jenny Seeto, Representative of the Fiji Rugby Union. The discussions explored mutual interests, including building competitive team frameworks, talent development pathways, and deepening sports diplomacy between Fiji and China.

Ms. Jenny Seeto emphasized the importance of trust, mutual benefit, and shared vision underpinning the agreement.

“This MoU is more than a document; it is a commitment to building bridges through rugby. 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,” she stated.

Fiji Rugby Union Chairman John Sanday also expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership

“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,” Mr Sanday said.

President Wang Yun highlighted two key pillars of the partnership and expressed the long-term vision:

1. Talent Development Framework: Utilizing 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.
2. Grassroots Growth Through Competition: With Fiji’s support, CRFA 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. together, we will promote cultural exchange, host joint international events, and create deeper bonds through the language of sport,” Mr Wang said

The ceremony also recognized the contributions of Fijian players and coaches who are actively shaping the rugby scene in China through Huagan Rugby Club, a key link in the China-Fiji rugby relationship.

Ben Soso current coach for Huagan Rugby Club, said, “We sincerely thank the Trust and support of Fiji Rakavi Football Union Ltd and Fiji Rugby Football Trustee and China Rugby Football Association. We are honored to serve as ambassadors for the development of rugby between China and Fiji. “

between China and Fiji through rugby.”

He continued saying, 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.

Soso was the former backline coach for the Fijian 15s team in 2016.

Notably, several Fijian stars have made their mark in Chinese rugby:

• Mariana Talatoka (Fijiana 7s) — Joined Huagan Rugby in May 2022,
• Joji Nasova (Fiji Men’s 7s) — Played for Huagan Rugby from 2022–2023 – Named in the 2025 HSBC SVNS Dream Team after a stellar season as joint-top try scorer (26 tries)
• Nacani Boginisoko — A current squad member of Fiji Men’s 7s, also developed through Huagan Rugby since 2022.

Attendees at the Signing Ceremony:

• Mr. Wang Yun – President
• Mr. Jin Hongwan – Secretary-General
• Ms. Wang Shu – Deputy Secretary-General and Team Manager of the China Women’s National Rugby Team
• Mr. Chen Jianchun – Chairman, Huagan International Cultural and Sports Development (Beijing) Co., Ltd

In her closing remarks, Ms. Seeto expressed gratitude:

“This partnership is more than a business agreement—it is a commitment to friendship, excellence, and the global growth of rugby. Together, we are laying the groundwork for a brighter future for athletes, fans, and the sport.”

The MoU paves the way for collaborative programs in coaching, sports tourism, event operations, youth development, and long-term athlete sustainability, marking a new era in the rugby relationship between China and Fiji.