Koli Sewabu

Today is a day of profound significance, as we pay tribute to the wisdom of our ancestors, stand firmly rooted in the strength of our present, and carry forward the legacy of our vanua with pride. We are humbled by the presence of the Turaga Na Taukei Nakelo, Ratu Josaia Natakele Baleinausori, who received the team’s i tatau on behalf of the Gone Turaga na Tui Vuda and the vanua—a sacred bond between tradition, faith, and the spirit of our people.
Go forth with all our blessings Fijiana 🩵🙌🏾🇫🇯🙏🏾

🌟 A Heartfelt Vinaka Vakalevu to Our Fiji Government! 🌟

Bula vinaka,

On behalf of every rugby fan, supporter, and proud Fijian, we want to express our deepest gratitude to the Fijian Government, our Honorable Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka and the Fiji Sports Commission for their tremendous financial support to Fiji Rugby and our beloved Fijiana 15s team as they prepare to represent our nation at the Women’s Rugby World Cup in England!

This incredible backing is more than just funding—it’s a powerful statement of belief in our women’s team, their hard work, and their potential to shine on the world stage. With this support, our Fijiana players can focus fully on their preparation, knowing that their government and the people of Fiji stand firmly behind them.

To our Fijiana warriors, as you lace up your boots and wear the white jersey with pride, know that you carry the dreams of a nation. Go out there, play with the fierce spirit of Fiji, and inspire the many young girls watching your every move. Show the world why Fiji is a powerhouse in rugby—not just in the men’s game, but in women’s rugby too!

Vinaka vakalevu again to our leaders for investing in our athletes and in the future of Fijian rugby. Let’s make history in England! 🇫🇯💪🏉

The Fiji Sports Commission (FSC) has reaffirmed its commitment to the growth of women’s rugby by allocating a Government Grant of $1.5 million to support the Fijiana 15s team’s preparation and participation in the upcoming Rugby World Cup.

Read more: https://shorturl.at/UWYuM

What an honour to be part of such a historic moment—the British & Irish Lions vs. First Nations Pasifika match in Melbourne! 🏉🌍

These past few days have been filled with incredible learning, cultural sharing, and meaningful connections. A huge thank you to Rugby Australia and DFAT for making this unforgettable experience possible. The power of sport to bring people together, celebrate diversity, and foster understanding is truly special.

Grateful, inspired, and proud to be part of this journey. 🙏

Featuring former French captain, Abdelatif Benazzi, now Vice President of French Rugby and Chairman of 6 Nations Rugby.

Played against this legend in the 1999 Rugby World Cup- that famous game vs France where flights were already booked for the quarters in Ireland the week after. Today, we shared a good laugh on the outcome of that match, and what became a household name in Fiji, our good friend Paddy O’Brien 🙄😂.
Thank you for visiting our shores my friend, for sharing the dream and making this a reality.

Merci d'avoir visité Fiji Rugby aujourd'hui, mon ami, et d'avoir partagé le rêve et d'en faire une réalité

🇫🇷 🇫🇯

A huge Vinaka vakalevu my friend , CEO of Rugby Australia and rugby.com.au for the wonderful week of sharing and learning.

Tough result today, but grateful for another chapter in the between Fiji and Australia. The spirit of rugby brought us together, and we’ll take all the learnings back home.

Now, the focus shifts to Suva as we prepare to welcome Scotland for what promises to be a fantastic week of rugby! 🇫🇯🔥

Twas an awesome day yesterday, going around a few places and spent some time watching and observing grassroots rugby- a few club games in Suva, Naitasiri and Burebasaga where the Eastern schools were playing their zone games.

Rugby isn’t just a sport in Fiji—it’s a way of life, a source of pride, and the pulse of our nation. And where does that pulse beat the strongest? In our villages, our schools, and our local communities.

Grassroots rugby is the foundation of everything we love about Fijian rugby. It’s where raw talent is first discovered, where discipline is forged, and where the next generation of stars learns the values of teamwork, resilience, and veiqaravi (service). Without strong roots, even the mightiest tree will fall—and the same is true for our rugby.

Why does grassroots rugby matter so much?
✅ It keeps our unique style alive – The flair, creativity, and fearless play that define Fijian rugby are born in muddy village fields, not just in professional academies.
✅ It unites us – it brings communities together, creating bonds that go beyond the game.
✅ It gives hope – For many young Fijians, rugby is more than a dream—it’s a pathway to education, opportunity, and a better future.

But here’s the challenge: Too often, the very communities that nurture our talent are left behind. Fields are neglected, equipment is scarce, and young players lack support. That’s why it’s crucial for leaders—sports administrators, government officials, and even former players—to step up and engage directly with our grassroots.

✔ Listen to the communities – Coaches, parents, and village elders know what’s needed. Their voices must guide development.
✔ Invest in facilities & coaching – A proper field, basic gear, and trained mentors can transform a kid’s future.
✔ Stay connected – Stars who return to inspire the next generation keep the fire burning.

Fiji’s rugby greatness doesn’t come from a few individuals—it comes from every child who picks up a ball, every coach who gives their time, and every community that rallies behind them. If we want to keep dominating the world stage, we must never forget where it all begins.

Let’s protect our heartbeat. Let’s invest in grassroots rugby. Fiji Rugby is committed to making this happen, not overnight, but one day at a time, we shall rise🇫🇯🩵🖤🤍

A highlight of the week to get a courtesy visit from one of my mentors from the RWC99. I joined the team as a rookie young man, new to travelling the world and the life skills associated with it. Grateful to God that I came across turaga naita Pita Nacuva, former Flying Fijian in the 60s and 70s, who transitioned to being a diplomat, minister, member of parliament and I believe also became Speaker of the House of Representatives to some degree (I stand to be corrected). His wisdom, knowledge, experience and stern advice kept me on track, and daily reminders of, “Turaga Naita, nanuma tiko, there is life after rugby”.

Now 81 years old, and still very healthy and sharp, what got to me was the shirt he is wearing- a team issue from the South Pacific Games 1979! I was only 4 years old at the time 🙏🏾
Vinaka vakalevu Noqu Turaga Naita for your service to our country and to Fiji Rugby . May our God Almighty continue to shine His light and favour to your paths daily.

The Silent Killer of Growth: When Performance Goes Unrecognized and Underperformance Goes Unchecked

In any organization—whether in business, sports, or community initiatives—growth thrives on accountability and recognition. But what happens when high performance goes unnoticed and underperformance is ignored?

1️⃣ Demotivation Sets In – Top performers lose their drive when their efforts aren’t acknowledged. Without recognition, they start questioning their value, leading to disengagement or even departure.

2️⃣ A Culture of Mediocrity Develops – When underperformance isn’t addressed, it sets a precedent that effort and excellence don’t matter. This lowers the standard for everyone, breeding complacency.

3️⃣ Innovation Stalls – Growth organizations rely on momentum. If those pushing boundaries feel unappreciated, they stop pushing. Ideas fade, creativity dwindles, and progress slows.

4️⃣ Leadership Credibility Erodes – If leadership fails to recognize excellence or hold underperformance accountable, trust weakens. People look elsewhere for environments where their contributions are valued.

5️⃣ Opportunities Are Lost – The best organizations don’t just grow; they attract talent, investment, and partnerships. But if performance management fails, so does the organization's ability to capitalize on new opportunities.

The Solution? Build a performance-driven culture where success is celebrated, underperformance is constructively addressed, and every team member understands their role in driving growth. Sustainable success depends on it.

The Power of Transformational Leadership – Leading Self Before Leading Others

Honored to be a guest speaker at the Leader’s Lead Symposium in Fiji, where we explored the essence of transformational leadership. True leadership isn’t just about influence—it begins with leading self before leading others and driving change.

Sharing my journey was a moment of vulnerability—reflecting on the challenges, the sacrifices, and the lessons that shaped my leadership. Three key areas stood out:

1️⃣ Knowing Self (Identity) – Understanding who you are, where you come from, and what grounds you is the foundation of leadership. Clarity in identity shapes how we navigate challenges and opportunities.

2️⃣ Values & Sacrifices – Leadership demands commitment to values that guide decisions, often requiring sacrifices. The path is never easy, but staying true to principles ensures we lead with integrity and purpose.

3️⃣ Legacy – Leadership isn’t about personal success; it’s about impact. What do we leave behind? How do we empower the next generation? The mark of a leader is seen in the growth of others.

Transformational leadership starts from within. If we want to lead change, we must first lead ourselves. Grateful for the opportunity to share, learn, and grow with incredible leaders at the symposium.

Today, I celebrate and honor the incredible woman who stands at the heart of our family—my wife, my rock, my inspiration. She is the trendsetter in our home, shaping our lives with love, wisdom, and unwavering faith. Her influence reaches far beyond our family, touching lives across Fiji, NZ, Australia, and the Pacific, where she walks boldly in her calling, lifting others with her strength and compassion.

Her love is a guiding light, her wisdom a source of strength, and her resilience a testament to the power of a woman led by faith. She embodies the virtues of Proverbs 31:25, "She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come."

Thank you, my love, for being a pillar of grace, a beacon of hope, and a leader who inspires. Today and every day, we celebrate you.

To the great women in our family, the Kasaqa and Rokotarotaro family of the Vanua o Naivisere……happy International Womens Day ❤️💯🙌🏾🙏🏾

Been an awesome week of learning & sharing with these Manu Samoa & Manusina legends, building the 7s coaching high-performance program and equipping grassroots coaches, S&Cs, First Aid in Rugby, Match Officiating and Governance/Leadership.