PM Rabuka Meets French Rugby Federation Vice President to Boost Sports Diplomacy

Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka yesterday met with Mr Abdelatif Benazzi, Vice President of the French Rugby Federation and Chairman of the Six Nations Rugby Championship, to explore opportunities to strengthen sports diplomacy and deepen Fiji’s ties with France and wider Europe through rugby.

Held at the Prime Minister’s Office in Suva, the meeting highlighted rugby’s growing role as a platform for cultural exchange, shared values, and international cooperation.

Prime Minister Rabuka thanked France for creating professional rugby pathways that have enabled Fijian athletes to thrive in the French Top 14 and other premier European leagues.

“France has provided a gateway for our players to showcase their talents, and through rugby, we’ve strengthened people-to-people connections and national pride,” he said.

He reaffirmed the government’s support for closer collaboration between the Fiji Rugby Union, the French Rugby Federation, and European rugby bodies to further develop Fijian talent and expand international opportunities.

The Prime Minister also acknowledged France’s wider partnership with Fiji in areas such as education, climate action, maritime security, and cultural exchange.

Mr Benazzi, who is visiting Fiji for a rugby event in Nadi, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to meet the Prime Minister and praised Fiji’s enduring contribution to global rugby.

He was accompanied by Fiji Rugby Union Board Chairman Mr John Sanday and Acting CEO Mr Koli Sewabu. A nostalgic moment was noted during the meeting, as Mr Benazzi and Mr Sewabu had faced each other during the 1999 Rugby World Cup in a critical Group C clash between France and Fiji.