The revelation that the Flying Fijians could join the Six Nations competition with Japan as guest teams in an expanded eight-team tournament later in the year once restrictions are lifted is interesting.
Fiji Rugby Union chief executive officer John O’Connor sees the opportunity as a breakthrough for Fiji rugby.
Fijian fans will see it as a massive step in the right direction.
“We can just confirm that we have been having preliminary discussions and if it happens, it is a great opportunity for our players.
It all depends on the government restrictions on travels, but like I said, if it happens it is a great advantage for us because most of our players are based in the Northern Hemisphere,” said O’Connor.
The event, which is in the discussion stages, is proposed for the last three months of this year.
Without a doubt, any proposal that includes the Flying Fijians playing the cream of the crop of world rugby on a regular basis has to be welcomed.
It is encouraging news and the stuff of dreams.
When we consider the impact Fijian players have had on the game, and the potential for the future, we sometimes have to ask ourselves why we lag behind in terms of playing consistently at the highest level of the sport, against tier one nations.
We are left to embrace intermittent splashes of tier one tests, culminating in the Rugby World Cup.
This latest move effectively places Fijian rugby on a good platform.
If it eventuates, then we are in for some exciting times.
It actually falls right in place when you consider the fact most of our top players are based in Europe.
Our new coach is quite familiar with the style of rugby played in the Northern Hemisphere, and the bulk of our team to the most recent RWC in Japan actually ply their trade there.
The likes of Semi Radradra, Josua Tuisova, who easily rank among the best in their positions, are among the host of big names we are able to draw from.
It is encouraging to note that after years of being in the wilderness so to speak, if the event kicks off, we would be able to play regular games against some of the best players in the world.
With the exception of Italy who sit on 14th spot on the World Rugby rankings, the rest of the Six Nations sides, England, Ireland, Scotland, France and Wales all rank in the top 10.
This certainly is great news for our rugby.
It’s good for our players, and for the future of the game in our region.
Now we wait and see how things pan out, with fingers crossed.
