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Fiji national rugby league team

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Fiji
Badge of Fiji team
Team information
NicknameFiji Bati
Governing bodyFiji National Rugby League
RegionAsia-Pacific
Head coachWise Kativerata
CaptainTui Kamikamica
Most capsKevin Naiqama (25)
Top try-scorerAkuila Uate (14)
Top point-scorerWes Naiqama (132)
Home stadiumNational Stadium
IRL ranking6th
Uniforms
First colours
Team results
First international
Samoa Western Samoa 32–18 Fiji 
(Apia, Samoa; 1992)
Biggest win
 Fiji 72–6 Wales 
(Townsville, Australia; 5 November 2017)
Biggest defeat
 Australia 84–14 Fiji 
(Marathon Stadium, Newcastle; 12 July 1994)
World Cup
Appearances5 (first time in 1995)
Best resultBronze Semifinals (2008, 2013, 2017)

The Fiji national rugby league team, nicknamed the Bati (pronounced [mˈbatʃi]), has been participating in international rugby league football since 1992. The team is controlled by the governing body for rugby league in Fiji, Fiji National Rugby League (FNRL), which is currently a member of the Asia-Pacific Rugby League Confederation (APRLC). Fiji have thrice reached the semi-finals of the Rugby League World Cup, in 2008, 2013 and 2017, and are currently ranked 6th in the International Rugby League's World Rankings. They are coached by Fijian Wise Kativerata, and their captain is Tui Kamikamica. The team will typically perform the hymn "Noqu Masu" before each match, singing in unison.[1]

History

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1990s

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The game was introduced to Fiji only in 1992 but despite this there has been a long history of Fijian players making their mark in rugby league, most notably back in the 1960s when great players such as Joe Levula and Laitia Ravouvou joined Rochdale Hornets and became household names in the English competition.

Interest and participation in rugby league snowballed throughout Fiji, and as well as continued success in the Rugby League World Sevens, the Batis began playing full 13-aside games against international teams. By 1994, Fiji had hammered the Great Britain amateurs 40–8 and, captained by mighty front-rower James Pickering, beat France 20–12.

They had also produced their first rugby league superstar after winger Noa Nadruku joined Canberra Raiders and in 1993 became the top try-scorer in the Australian competition.

Fiji took part in their first World Cup in 1995 where, just as the 2000 World Cup, they had the misfortune to be placed in the same group as both England and Australia. But the Batis made a massive impression in their opening World Cup game in which they ran riot against South Africa, 52–6, and had the crowd on their feet at Keighley.

During the Super League war, Fiji, like most countries other countries, aligned itself with Super League. In search of international competition, the Australian Rugby League played a match against a "National Rugby League of Fiji" team in 1996. This match has been granted Test status by the ARL, but not by the Rugby League International Federation.

2000s

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Coached by Don Furner, Sr. and captained by Lote Tuqiri, Fiji competed in the 2000 World Cup but did not progress past the tournament's group stage.

The Fiji Bati qualified for the 2008 Rugby League World Cup held in Australia after finishing second in Pacific qualifying behind Tonga. Fiji's qualification campaign started with a thrilling 30–28 loss to Samoa before reversing the scoreline a few days later with a 30–28 win over the Tongans. Fiji won their final qualifying game against Cook Islands 40–4. Having qualified the Vodafone Fiji Bati team started their Rugby League World Cup 2008 campaign with 42–6 win over France followed by a 2-point defeat to Scotland, however they topped their group with a superior points difference. Beating Ireland in their quarter final they came within one match of the World Cup final, but were defeated by Australia, ending the tournament in 4th place.

2010s

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Fiji vs Samoa at the 2013 Rugby League World Cup

Fiji automatically qualified for the 2013 Rugby League World Cup after participating in the 2008 tournament. They took on Australia, England and Ireland in the pool stage. In their first match they took on 'the Wolfhounds'. They played at the famous Spotland Stadium, in Rochdale, where Fiji have an historic affiliation with. The Fijians convincingly won by a score of 32–14. As expected Fiji lost to both Australia and England, although they surprised many, as they only conceded 34 points against the teams in each game and they led 2–0 against Australia, and were within a few minutes of taking a half-time lead against England. Fiji would take on 'fierce Pacific rivals' Samoa in the quarter-final. They won the, passionate pacific, fixture and they would celebrate with a 22–4 victory. They celebrated even more, as it meant Fiji reached their second consecutive World Cup semi-final. They took on Australia again, but this game was nothing like the group stage fixture. Fiji's errors conceded them 62 points against a classy Australian side. This defeat ended and equalled their best World Cup campaign in their history.

In May 2014, Fiji took on Samoa in the 2014 Pacific Rugby League Test at Penrith Stadium. The International was created as a qualifier for the final 2014 Four Nations spot. It was also a chance for the Four Nations team (winner of this international) to warm-up before the event kicked off later in the year. Fiji failed to qualify with their fierce pacific rivals getting the better of them by 32–16.

In May 2015, Fiji took on Papua New Guinea in the 2015 Melanesian Cup test at Cbus Super Stadium. Fiji won the match and the inaugural Melanesian Cup title.[2] Fiji never looked like losing the match after an easy first half performance, leading 18-0 at the break. They went on to win the test match by 22–10.

In May 2016, Fiji took on Papua New Guinea in the 2016 Melanesian Cup test at Pirtek Stadium. Fiji had a similar situation in this year's Melanesian Cup with a half-time score of 16–8 but this time around they conceded too many second half points allowing the Kumuls to make a shock comeback and win the match 24–22.

In the 2017 Rugby League World Cup in New Zealand & Australia, Fiji topped Group D before recording their biggest upset victory, defeating New Zealand 4–2 in the quarter-finals. They then lost to Australia 54–6 in the semi-finals.

2020s

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Fiji automatically qualified for the 2021 Rugby League World Cup having reached the semi-finals of the previous Rugby League World Cup. The 2021 tournament will take place in England.

Kit

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Primary
1992–1995
1995 World Cup
2008 World Cup

Players

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Further information: Category:Fiji national rugby league team players

Current squad

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The squad selected for the 2024 Pacific Championships was announced on 8 October 2024.[3][4]

Statistics in the table are drawn from the website, Rugby League Project, and include the NRL Grand Final on 6 October 2024.

J# Player Age Position(s) Fiji Bati Club NRL SL Other Reps
Dbt M T G F P CM TM CM TM
1 Sunia Turuva 22 Fullback, Wing 2022 8 5 0 0 20 Penrith Panthers 52 52 0 0
2 Maika Sivo 31 Wing 2019 12 12 0 0 48 Parramatta Eels 115 115 0 0
3 Michael Jennings 36 Centre 2024 2 3 0 0 12 Sydney Roosters 80 307 0 0 7 11
18 3
4 4
4 Waqa Blake 30 Centre, Wing 2017 7 3 0 0 12 St Helens R.F.C. 0 165 22 22 1
5 Semi Valemei 25 Wing 2022 8 4 0 0 16 North Queensland Cowboys 13 42 0 0
6 Kevin Naiqama 35 Five-eighth, Centre 2009 27 10 1 0 42 Huddersfield Giants 0 120 48 115
7 Kurt Donoghoe 22 Halfback, Lock 2023 5 2 0 0 8 Dolphins (NRL) 18 18 0 0
8 Tui Kamikamica 30 Prop 2016 22 3 0 0 12 Melbourne Storm 114 114 0 0
9 James Valevatu 23 Hooker, Halfback 2024 1 0 0 0 0 Wests Tigers 0 0 0 0
10 Ben Nakubuwai 28 Prop, Second-row 2016 16 5 0 0 20 Leigh Leopards 0 2 25 60
11 Viliame Kikau 29 Second-row, Prop 2015 18 11 0 0 44 Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs 32 155 0 0
12 Taane Milne 29 Second-row, Centre 2017 15 4 16 0 48 South Sydney Rabbitohs 69 88 0 0
13 Caleb Navale 21 Lock, Second-row 2023 5 1 0 0 4 Manly Warringah Sea Eagles 2 2 0 0
14 Penioni Tagituimua 25 Hooker 2019 14 2 0 0 8 Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs 0 0 0 0 1
15 Kitione Kautoga 22 Second-row 2023 4 1 0 0 4 Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs 2 3 0 0
16 Kylan Mafoa — Prop 2024 1 0 0 0 0 Manly Warringah Sea Eagles 0 0 0 0
17 Jordan Miller 19 Prop 2024 2 0 0 0 0 Wests Tigers 2 2 0 0
18 Jethro Rinakama — Wing — 0 0 0 0 0 Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs 0 0 0 0
19 Ronald Philitoga 23 Wing — 0 0 0 0 0 Brisbane Tigers 0 0 0 0
20 Nathan Kegg-Smith 23 Lock 2024 1 0 0 0 0 Brisbane Tigers 0 0 0 0
21 Joe Lovodua 26 Five-eighth 2017 9 3 0 0 12 Doncaster R.L.F.C. 0 0 0 42
– Bayleigh Bentley-Hape 24 Fullback — 0 0 0 0 0 South Sydney Rabbitohs 0 0 0 0

Notes:

  • Age is as at the last update, 26 October 2024 (after the game against Cook Islands).
  • Waqa Blake has previously played for City Origin.
  • Penioni Tagituimua played for the Fiji Prime Minister's XIII in 2019.
  • Clubs outside the NRL and Super League are shaded in the above table.

Records

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  • Bold- denotes that the player is still active.

Most capped players

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# Name Career Caps
1 Kevin Naiqama 2009-2022 25
2 Akuila Uate 2006-2018 18
3 Apisai Koroisau 2013-2022 17
Tui Kamikamica 2016-2022 17
Eloni Vunakece 2007-2018 17
6 Viliame Kikau 2015-2022 16
Junior Roqica 2011-2019 16
8 Ashton Sims 2008-2017 15
9 Wes Naiqama 2006-2014 14
James Storer 2008-2017 14
Ben Nakubuwai 2016-2022 14

Top try scorers

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# Name Career Tries
1 Akuila Uate 2006-2018 14
2 Suliasi Vunivalu 2017-2019 12
3 Viliame Kikau 2015-2022 11
4 Kevin Naiqama 2009-2022 10
5 Jarryd Hayne 2008, 2017-2018 8

Top points scorers

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# Name Career Points Tries Goals Field Goals
1 Wes Naiqama 2006-2014 132 7 52 0
2 Brandon Wakeham 2019-2022 66 1 31 0
3 Akuila Uate 2006-2018 56 14 0 0
4 Suliasi Vunivalu 2017-2019 50 12 1 0
5 Apisai Koroisau 2013-2022 46 1 21 0

Competitive record

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Main article: List of Fiji national rugby league team results

The table below shows Fiji's all-time international rugby league record as of 21 October 2024.[5] They have been participating in International fixtures since 1992.[6]

Country Matches Won Drawn Lost Win % For Aga Diff
 American Samoa 1 1 0 0 100% 16 14 +2
 Australia 7 0 0 7 0% 24 378 –354
Australian Aboriginies 1 1 0 0 100% 21 20 +1
 Canada 1 1 0 0 100% 26 12 +14
 Cook Islands 13 7 1 5 53.85% 349 219 +130
 England 4 0 0 4 0% 22 196 –174
England England Knights 1 1 0 0 100% 44 8 +36
 France 2 2 0 0 100% 62 18 +44
 Great Britain 1 0 0 1 0% 4 72 –68
 Ireland 2 2 0 0 100% 62 28 +34
 Italy 2 2 0 0 100% 98 14 +84
 Lebanon 4 2 0 2 50% 118 118 0
 Māori 1 0 0 1 0% 12 32 –20
 New Zealand 2 1 0 1 50% 22 26 -4
New Zealand New Zealand Residents 1 1 0 0 100% 34 16 +18
 Niue 2 1 0 1 50% 34 38 –4
 Papua New Guinea 16 5 0 11 31.25% 261 375 –114
Rotuma Rotuma 1 1 0 0 100% 32 12 +20
 Russia 1 1 0 0 100% 38 12 +26
 Samoa 12 8 0 4 66.67% 274 184 +90
 Scotland 2 1 0 1 50% 46 32 +14
 South Africa 1 1 0 0 100% 52 6 +46
 Tonga 13 5 1 7 38.46% 221 296 –75
 United States 1 1 0 0 100% 58 12 +46
 Wales 1 1 0 0 100% 72 6 +66
Total 93 46 2 45 49.46% 2,002 2,144 –142

Rugby League World Cup

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Further information: Fiji at the Rugby League World Cup
World Cup record
Year Round Position GP W L D
England 1995 Group stage 6/10 3 1 2 0
EnglandFranceIrelandScotlandWales 2000 Group stage 12/16 3 1 2 0
Australia 2008 Semi-finals 4/10 4 2 2 0
EnglandWales 2013 Semi-finals 4/14 5 2 3 0
AustraliaNew ZealandPapua New Guinea 2017 Semi-finals 4/14 5 4 1 0
England 2021 Quarter-Finals 6/16 4 2 2 0
AustraliaPapua New Guinea 2026 qualified
Total 0 Titles 4/13 24 12 12 0

Four Nations

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Four Nations record
Year Round Position GP W L D
EnglandFrance 2009 Not Invited
AustraliaNew Zealand 2010 Failed to Qualify
EnglandWales 2011 Not Invited
AustraliaNew Zealand 2014 Failed to Qualify
England 2016 Not Invited
Total 0 Titles 0/5 0 0 3 0

Pacific Cup

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Pacific Cup record
Year Round Position GP W L D
New Zealand 1992 Group stage 9/10 4 1 3 0
Fiji 1994 Second Place 2/10 6 4 2 0
New Zealand 1997 Group stage 5/6 3 0 2 1
New Zealand 2004 Group stage 4/6 2 1 1 0
New Zealand 2006 Second Place 2/6 3 2 1 0
Papua New Guinea 2009 Semi-finals 3/5 2 1 1 0
Total 0 Titles 6/12 20 9 10 1

IRL Rankings

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IRL Men's World Rankings
Official rankings as of December 2024
Rank Change Team Pts %
1 Steady  Australia 100
2 Steady  New Zealand 86
3 Steady  England 84
4 Increase 1  Tonga 63
5 Decrease 1  Samoa 54
6 Increase 1  Papua New Guinea 53
7 Decrease 1  Fiji 44
8 Steady  France 30
9 Increase 2  Serbia 23
10 Steady  Cook Islands 22
11 Increase 1  Netherlands 22
12 Increase 5  Wales 18
13 Increase 2  Malta 17
14 Increase 6  Ukraine 13
15 Decrease 1  Greece 12
16 Decrease 7  Lebanon 12
17 Decrease 4  Italy 11
18 Decrease 2  Ireland 9
19 Decrease 1  Jamaica 8
20 Increase 1  Czech Republic 8
21 Increase 2  Chile 8
22 Decrease 3  Scotland 7
23 Increase 4  Philippines 7
24 Increase 7  United States 7
25 Decrease 1  Poland 5
26 Increase 2  South Africa 5
27 Decrease 5  Germany 5
28 Decrease 3  Norway 5
29 Increase 4  Brazil 4
30 Decrease 4  Kenya 4
31 Increase 10  Canada 4
32 Steady  Montenegro 4
33 Increase 2  North Macedonia 3
34 Increase 15  Argentina 3
35 Increase 5  Albania 2
36 Steady  Bulgaria 2
37 Decrease 7  Ghana 2
38 Decrease 9  Nigeria 2
39 Decrease 5  Turkey 1
40 Decrease 3  Cameroon 1
41 Decrease 2  Japan 1
42 Decrease 4  Spain 1
43 Decrease 1  Colombia 1
44 Decrease 1  El Salvador 0
45 Steady  Russia 0
46 Increase 1  Bosnia and Herzegovina 0
47 Increase 3  Hong Kong 0
48 Increase 3  Solomon Islands 0
49 Increase 8  Vanuatu 0
50 Steady  Niue 0
51 Decrease 1  Latvia 0
52 Increase 2  Denmark 0
53 Increase 2  Belgium 0
54 Decrease 4  Estonia 0
55 Decrease 9  Sweden 0
56 Decrease 12  Morocco 0
48 Decrease 9  Hungary 0
Complete rankings at INTRL.SPORT

See also

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References

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  1. ^ https://www.thecoconet.tv/songbook/islandjams/noqu-masu-fiji-batis-pre-game-hymn/
  2. ^ "Fiji vs. PNG 2015 Melanesian Cup". Nrl.com. 2 May 2015. Retrieved 2 May 2015.
  3. ^ Rasekaseka, Marika (8 Oct 2024). "Michael Jennings joins Fiji Bati squad for 2024 Pacific Championship". Fiji Village. Retrieved 8 Oct 2024.
  4. ^ "Pacific Championships Squad Tracker: Burton Selected for Kangaroos, Kikau for Fiji". Bulldogs.com.au. 8 Oct 2024. Retrieved 8 Oct 2024.
  5. ^ "Head to Head". Rugby League Project. Retrieved 5 November 2020.
  6. ^ "Fiji Head to Head". rugbyleagueproject. Retrieved 29 October 2023.
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