Fiji Rugby Union Team

Fiji’s rugby union side played its first international game in unusual circumstances. The fixture, which took place in August 1924, was brought forward to 07:00 so that the players would not be late for work, and the pitch reportedly had a tree growing on the halfway line!

It is evident that the Fijians’ passion for rugby has not subsided since, even if the facilities have changed somewhat; "the flying Fijians" have reached 2 Rugby World Cup quarterfinals - they temporarily became a top-10 international side on the second occasion, in 2007 - and they are famed for their fast, exciting style of play.

Look out for the pre-match "cibi", an intimidating war dance which the players perform in order to pump themselves up and psyche-out opponents!