Nemani to Lead Suva Rugby

Former national football captain and longtime Suva rugby player Maritino Nemani has been appointed as the new Chairman of the Suva Rugby Union.

Nemani, who once represented Suva Rugby during his club playing days and at provincial level, takes on the role with a commitment to continue the work of past executives and strengthen the Union’s foundations.

“Suva Rugby like football is very dear to me because it shaped what I am today,” Nemani said.

“Representing my club team week in and week out is the heartbeat of our Suva Football and Rugby Union culture.

My role is to continue the good work that has been done over the past decades by former executives, club representatives and our provincial teams.”

Nemani’s rugby career began with Nabua Rugby Club, where he played from 1987 to 1993. He later represented Raiwaqa Rugby Club between 1995 and 1996. He has also held leadership roles within both clubs, serving as President of Nabua Rugby Club from 2005 to 2010 and as Vice President of Raiwaqa Rugby Club from 1995 to 1997.

In addition to his rugby background, Nemani is widely known in football circles.

He is a former Suva soccer captain, coach and president, and captained the Fiji national football team during a 12-year playing career from 1985 to 1996.

Nemani is also currently the Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Employment, Productivity and Workplace Relations and has had a distinguished professional career in public service and regional governance.

He previously served as Permanent Secretary for Youth and Sports and has held senior executive roles in the Pacific, including academic teaching positions at the University of Auckland and Auckland University of Technology, as well as serving as Chief Government Adviser to the Government of Nauru under an Australian DFAT assignment.

He thanked Suva Rugby families, affiliated clubs and the Executive Committee for their continued support and expressed confidence in the Union’s future under collective leadership.