Fiji Rugby Union

High Performance Unit

The High Performance Unit is the engine room of elite rugby performance. We identify, develop, and support athletes to perform at their peak—on and off the field. Our mission is to build a sustainable, winning culture through science, strategy, and relentless execution.

The High Performance Unit since its inception in 2006 have endeavored to build upon the work undertaken with significant review on its strategic direction after the RWC 2011 for elite players and coaches.
This review was to ensure that we were well positioned to deliver on the overarching goals of the FRU and more specifically, those of the HPU itself heading into the RWC season.

Sports Science and Medicine

The HPU’s Sports Medicine and Sciences department is a multidisciplinary team comprising of the Medical Coordinator/Head Physiotherapist, National Strength and Conditioning Coach, Physiotherapists, and a Sports Commission. This team works to ensure the health and safe participation of elite and professional players across Fiji’s affiliated provincial unions.

Strength and Conditioning

The HPU emphasises physical preparation to elevate players to world-class standards. This includes tailored S&C programs to improve fitness, power, and resilience, with a focus on developing local S&C practitioners to work efficiently with limited resources.
Programs aim to enhance players’ daily training habits, nutrition, and discipline to support long-term athletic development.

Talent Identification and Development

The HPU has a men’s and women’s academy program that helps elite players who have been chosen for national pathway programs. This includes the Fijian Under-20 team, a critical steppingstone for young talent transitioning from school rugby to senior levels. To ensure that everyone has access to opportunities, talent identification is carried out both inside and outside of Fiji’s islands. Before reaching professional teams like the Fijian Drua in Super Rugby Pacific, players progress through age-grade teams like the Warriors, Fiji U20 and Fiji U18.

Video Analysis

HPU is also involved in video analysis. This is a useful tool that in the preparation of national teams from player selection, reviewing of player and team performances, reviewing player injuries and analyzing opposition teams/players. Future in video analysis is to put a tab on our Fiji Rugby Union website to allow coaches and players to access statistical analysis.

Elite Pathway Program

The HPU aligns with the Elite Pathway Programme and High Performance Academy to create a clear progression for players. For instance, players like Tevita Ikanivere, who captained his school’s U18 team, were scouted by the HPU and progressed through all age-grade levels to become a professional with the Fijian Drua and a Fiji international.