Fiji’s love affair with Rochdale as town prepares to put rugby on world stage

Rochdale's Fijian community

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Rochdale’s links with the South Pacific which dates back to the early 1960s will be strengthened this autumn as Fijians make the trip across the globe to watch their national team play Ireland in Rugby League World Cup. Those not making the trip will be watching on television as the game is beamed to millions across the world.

The unlikely connection between Rochdale and Fiji dates back to the 1960s when Hornets, the town's rugby league team took the innovative step of recruiting Fijian players. Fijian rugby stars Orisi Dawai and Joe Levula in 1961. More followed, together with their families, and the rest is history - Rochdale now boasts the biggest UK Fijian community outside London, now in its fourth generation. There is even a Rochdale Fijian Association (RFA), which helped to promote Rochdale's bid to be a host in the tournament.

Phillip Rokotuni, joint secretary of the RFA said Rugby means everything in Fiji: “It’s massive, and our friends in Fiji are all talking about this game in Rochdale, they are very proud that it is being staged here. We really wanted to host this game and it will mean a great deal to a lot of people.”

The RFA, founded in the early 1970s, charging just 2p per week subscription now has over 100 members, including non-Fijians. Three generations of the Ratu family have played for Rochdale Hornets, and Mike Ratu Senior said the Fijian side will see it almost like a home game:

“There is real anticipation for this fixture. Fiji may be fourteen thousand miles from Rochdale but we have a real community spirit here and are very proud to be in Rochdale. To play for the town was absolutely amazing, but to see the world cup come to town and Fiji to come over and play in the biggest sporting event ever held in Rochdale, well, we never dreamed it would happen, it is something very special.”

With Fiji being famous for loud shirts and a carnival atmosphere, Mike says you’ll certainly be able to rely on them all to create a great atmosphere: “It will be a great evening, the atmosphere will be amazing and I’m sure there will be lots of colourful clothing! It’ll certainly be something different, a real spectacle. But Fiji won’t be an easy game for Ireland. We have a strong squad and they will really be up for this one, it will be very competitive.”

Fijian Rugby League player Daryl Millard who currently plays for Catalan Dragons said the players are relishing the challenge of taking on such a tough group:

“It’s a bit of a home advantage for us with all the Fijians based in Rochdale and we’re looking forward to putting that to work in our favour for the game against Ireland. It’s a tough group, but it’s good in a way because we get to play against some top teams.”

Fiji has been designated by tournament organisers as the adopted nation of Rochdale for the duration of the tournament, and to celebrate The Flying Horse Hotel will be serving a traditional Fijian menu on the day of the game in addition to some Irish specialities. Nearby Mayfield Rugby Club are staging a Fiji Day celebration the day before the game too. 

Tickets for the Rochdale game starting at £10 (£5 concessions) are available to purchase online or by phoning 0844 847 2013.

Tickets for all games in the tournament - including Rochdale’s - are also available in person from Spotland Stadium box office, and seats in the Willbutts Lane stand have now gone on sale, priced £20 for adults, £10 concessions.

Over half a million people are expected to watch the 28 matches live, with a further 20 million viewers from 120 countries tuning in from around the world.