The meeting yesterday between Fiji Rugby Union Chairman John Sanday and Manoj Bogoda, Chief Strategy Officer of UUDS AERO , Dubai marks more than just a courtesy visit, it signals hope, opportunity, and a long-term vision for our youth.
UUDS AERO, a leader in aircraft Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO), services commercial passenger aircraft across the globe, from Airbuses to Boeings and beyond.
Today, that global reach could become a pathway for our young rugby players.
UUDS AERO, through Mr. Manoj Bagoda employs 59 Fijian men and women who also play rugby in the UAE.
Mr. Sanday reiterated that too often, financial challenges at home stood between talented youths and their dreams. Rugby has always been more than a sport in Fiji, it is a vehicle for discipline, education, character, and opportunity.
“Through this potential partnership, we aim to prepare our young players here through rugby, building not only athletes, but responsible, skilled young men and women and create pathways for them to work, study, and continue playing abroad,” Mr Sanday said.
This is about long-term impact. It’s about giving our youths options. It’s about ensuring that talent, when matched with opportunity, can change family legacies. It’s about life after rugby.
“We are proud to see former player Saimoni Rokini serving as Director of Rugby, alongside Matelita Waqanidrola, who continues to inspire both in rugby and in supporting netball. Their presence reflects what is possible when sport opens doors.”
Together, we believe rugby can be the bridge, from local fields to international careers, from raw potential to realised dreams.
The future is not just about winning matches. It’s about winning in life.
Chairman John Sanday thank Mr & Mrs Bagoda on behalf of the whole Fijian rugby vuvale for providing employment through the rugby pathways that have been developed and pledged his ongoing support for rugby pathways that provided professional and skills development for our rugby youth.
“We have agreed with UUDS to set up proper pathways where most of the training and certification can be done here before the selected rugby players go to the UAE .”
FRU also takes this opportunity to thank the Government and Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the efforts of His Excellency Faisal Koya, Fiji Ambassador to the UAE, for his role in facilitating this.