FIJI RUGBY UNION COMMENDS RISE OF FIJIANA RUGBY AS BREAKING GROUND DOCUMENTARY PREMIERES IN SUVA

Fiji Rugby last night reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening women’s rugby in Fiji as the official documentary of the Breaking Ground premiered in Suva. The film, produced under the PacificAus Sports program and the Pacific Partnership to End Violence Against Women and Girls, showcases the extraordinary resilience, talent, and impact of Fijiana athletes on the global stage.

The Suva premiere held as a private screening for invited guests and partners was officially opened by the Honorable Sashi Kiran, Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection.

Acting CEO of the Fiji Rugby, Mr. Koli Sewabu, emphasized that the growth of women’s rugby is not only a sporting achievement but a national movement for gender equality, inclusion, and empowerment.

“Fijiana athletes have shown the world what is possible when passion meets opportunity. Despite the many challenges they continue to face, often being seen first as women and not as athletes, they have risen to become some of Fiji’s most celebrated sporting ambassadors,” said Mr. Sewabu.

“The Fiji Rugby Union recognizes women’s rugby as an essential pillar of our organisation. This is why we have strengthened our policies and safeguarding measures to ensure every woman and girl in rugby is protected, valued, and given a fair pathway to succeed.”

Mr. Sewabu highlighted that FRU’s new and strengthened frameworks including the Safeguarding Policy, Workplace Sexual Harassment Policy, and Gender-Based Violence Policy, reflect the Union’s commitment to building an environment where Fijiana players can thrive in safety and dignity.

He added: “Our Fijiana teams have achieved extraordinary results from the Olympic bronze medal in Tokyo 2020 to the Fijiana Drua’s groundbreaking success in Australia’s Super W competition. Their performances have placed Fiji firmly on the world stage and inspired a new generation of girls across the country.

FRU will continue to invest in these pathways because women’s rugby is here to stay.”

The newly released documentary revisits iconic Fijiana achievements, capturing the momentum of women’s rugby in Fiji and the region. It offers a powerful first look, into the journeys of trailblazers such as Rusila Nagasau, Asinate Serevi, Bitila Tawake, Carletta Yee, and Timaima Ravisa, alongside rugby legend Waisale Serevi.

At its heart, Breaking Ground demonstrates how rugby can drive social transformation, especially through programs like Get Into Rugby Plus (GIR Plus), which promote respect, equality, and safety to help prevent violence against women and girls.

The documentary also explores the strides made by Fiji Rugby and its partners in expanding opportunities for women and girls in rugby, while emphasizing the need for sustained investment to achieve long-term gender equity in sport.

Following the screening, a panel discussion was held featuring Ms. Shamima Ali of the Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre and Fijiana 7s Captain and Olympic medalist Miss. Rusila Nagasau, linking the documentary’s themes to wider national conversations on gender equality and safe sport.

The full documentary is set for broadcast release in early 2026, followed by community screenings around Fiji and the Pacific.

Over the past decade, the Fiji Rugby Union has worked to:

-Establish professional and high-performance pathways for women’s rugby athletes.

-Support the Fijiana Drua’s entry and dominance in the Super W competition.

-Strengthen safeguarding and protection policies for all participants.

-Expand grassroots development through GIR Plus and community programs.

-Advocate for equal investment and visibility for Fijiana teams.

-Forge partnerships dedicated to ending violence against women and girls through sport.

These commitments continue to drive the rise of women’s rugby in Fiji as a platform for social change, leadership, and empowerment.

ABOUT THE DOCUMENTARY PARTNERS

Pacific Aus Sports – An Australian Government sports diplomacy initiative supporting Pacific teams with elite competition pathways, high-performance opportunities, and equal funding for women and men.

Pacific Partnership to End Violence Against Women and Girls (Pacific Partnership) – A regional initiative led by the Government of Australia and the European Union, coordinated by UN Women and SPC, aimed at strengthening gender equality, preventing violence, and improving services for survivors.