Fijians love the great outdoors and sport in Fiji is a big deal. It’s all part of the Fijian lifestyle. While most of the world knows about their brilliant rugby players, there are plenty of other sports enjoyed in Fiji.

Sevens rugby is probably the most famous sport in Fiji.  Similar to standard rugby, but with seven players per team. The fewer numbers of players means more space. This creates more ball movement and some spectacular tries.

The healthy diet of vegetables, meat and fish makes many Fijians highly suited to rugby. Men and women play both forms of the game and not just in parks. On the beaches, on the streets – you just a need a ball.

In 2016 Fiji’s women’s rugby team became the first country from the Pacific region to qualify the Olympics. Almost 10% of Fiji’s population play rugby and many players are signed up to the big pro teams in Australia, New Zealand and Europe.

As much as rugby is worshipped, there are plenty of other options for sport in Fiji.

Many women and girls play netball, which is a fast-moving game very similar to basketball. Soccer (or football) is also hugely popular and played throughout the country. Fiji has a national soccer league and is regarded as one of the stronger countries in the Oceania region.

Golfer Vijay Singh put Fiji on the map with his powerhouse performances in the 90s and 2000s. His titles included three majors and helped ignite a golfing boom in Fiji.

Today many visitors to Fiji are keen to take in a round of golf at some of the spectacular oceanside courses. Golf nuts from all over the world head straight for the Legends Golf Classic, which was inspired by Singh.

And speaking of the ocean – of course Fijians love their water sports. Surfing, fishing, yachting, paddle boarding, windsurfing or good old-fashioned body surfing are all incredibly popular.

Traditional water sports such as canoe racing and drua tours are also great fun. Druas are uniquely Fijian double canoes that date back centuries. They remain an outstanding example of craftsmanship and design.

In short, there is plenty of sport in Fiji to get into. Their sports reflect the diversity in their culture as well as their history.