Fiji Rugby Welcomes Research Collaboration to Strengthen Player Development

Fiji Rugby has welcomed an opportunity to engage with the Fiji National University (FNU) on research that could contribute to the continued development of players and strengthen rugby’s high-performance pathway in Fiji.

Representatives of Fiji Rugby recently received a presentation from Dr Varanisese Tagimaucia, Head of School – Education in FNU’s College of Humanities, Education and Law (CHEL), on findings from her PhD research titled “Psychological Mapping and Performance Profiling of Fiji Rugby Sevens Players: A Comparative Study Across Elite, Development and University Levels.”

The engagement reflects Fiji Rugby’s commitment to remaining open to research, innovation and partnerships that can support the development of Fijian players, coaches and the wider rugby system.

Fiji Rugby Board Chairman Mr John Sanday said the organisation valued opportunities to listen, learn and engage with expertise available within Fiji.

“Fiji has an extraordinary rugby heritage, built over generations by our players, coaches, communities, schools, clubs and provincial unions. As we look to the future, we also recognise the importance of continuing to learn and finding ways to strengthen the environment around our players,” Mr Sanday said.

“Research such as this gives us an opportunity to better understand our athletes and consider how evidence and sport science can complement the knowledge and systems already within Fiji Rugby.”

Dr Tagimaucia’s research examined performance profiling among Fiji Rugby Sevens players across elite, development and university levels, considering the physical, technical, tactical and psychological dimensions of performance.

The research also explored how players perceive the difference between their current and ideal performance, and how factors including playing position, stage of development and Fiji’s unique sociocultural environment can influence athlete development.

A key area discussed was the potential value of athlete-centred performance profiling as an additional tool within the player development process.

Rather than replacing existing coaching or high-performance systems, performance profiling could complement them by encouraging players to better understand their own development, identify areas requiring improvement and work with coaches towards individual development priorities.

For Fiji Rugby, the discussion is part of a broader ambition to continue strengthening the pathway from schools and grassroots rugby through development programmes and ultimately into the high-performance environment.

Acting Chief Operations Officer Mr Talemo Waqa said developing Fiji Rugby requires collaboration and a willingness to draw upon expertise from different sectors.

“Our responsibility is not only to prepare teams for the next competition. We must also continue building a rugby system that gives our young men and women the best possible opportunity to develop and fulfil their potential,” Mr Waqa said.

“We are grateful to Dr Tagimaucia and FNU for bringing this research to Fiji Rugby. There is value in bringing together the experience of our coaches and rugby practitioners with academic research and sport science, while ensuring that the player remains at the centre of what we do.”

The presentation was attended by Fiji Rugby Board Chairman Mr John Sanday, Acting Chief Operations Officer Mr Talemo Waqa, Mr Alifereti Cawanibuka, Sports Mentor and former FNU Sports Advisor, Mr Martin Doulton, Senior Executive Committee Member of the International University Sports Federation (FISU), and FNU Associate Dean TVET – CHEL, Mr Jerry Wong.

Dr Tagimaucia said it was important that research involving Fijian rugby players could ultimately find practical application within the sport.

“The research came from working with our Fiji Rugby players, so it was important to take the findings back to Fiji Rugby and discuss their practical value,” Dr Tagimaucia said.

“Performance profiling gives the player an opportunity to reflect on where they are currently performing, where they need to be, and the areas that require greater attention. From there, coaches and players can identify development priorities and work towards individual development plans.”

The engagement also opened discussions on opportunities for greater collaboration between Fiji Rugby and FNU in areas including research, athlete development, sport science and education.

Fiji Rugby believes partnerships with Fiji’s universities and other institutions can play an important role in strengthening the knowledge and evidence available to the sport, while also creating opportunities for research that reflects Fiji’s own people, culture and sporting environment.

As Fiji Rugby continues to build for the future, the organisation remains committed to learning from both local and international expertise while respecting the qualities that have made Fijian rugby unique.

Our greatest strength will always be our people. By combining that strength with knowledge, research and collaboration, Fiji Rugby hopes to create an environment where the next generation of Fijian players can develop, perform and carry the legacy of Fiji Rugby forward with pride.