Fiji Rugby moves to secure land for historic national home

Fiji Rugby has taken a major step toward establishing its first permanent home ground after lodging an application for a 60-acre block of land on Saweni Beach Road.

The move marks what officials describe as a historic moment for the union in its 113-year history.

Chairman John Sanday said the project would create a long-term base for the sport in Fiji.

“Remember this moment. It is a major step forward for Fiji Rugby in its 113-year history, we will have our own home ground.”

Mr Sanday said the vision extends beyond a stadium, with plans for a full Fiji Rugby precinct.

The proposed development includes an international stadium, entertainment and shopping hub, a Fiji Rugby-branded hotel, a high-performance training facility, and the Fiji Rugby Museum.

Fiji Rugby has owned only one property since the 1980s, when the union purchased its current headquarters on Gordon Street in Suva.

The building was secured under the leadership of former chairman the late Barrie Sweetman, funded largely through gate takings from a historic match between the Flying Fijians and the New Zealand All Blacks.

About $10,000 raised from the match, combined with bank financing, enabled Fiji Rugby to purchase the property for approximately $110,000.

Mr Sanday said the union hoped to follow a similar path to secure the new land.

“Just as the late Barrie Sweetman once did, we will use the profits from our Nations Cup home games in the UK this July to help secure this vital block of land.”

He said the project would be a collective effort involving supporters, players and stakeholders.

“This moment is about belief, legacy, and the generations of Fijians who will one day walk through these gates and proudly call it home.”

If realised, the project would mark the largest infrastructure development in Fiji Rugby’s history and establish a permanent national home for the sport.