On July 1-2, 2013 the University of the South Pacific and its Faculty of Arts, Law and Education will host an inter-disciplinary and inter-professional conference marking the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Fiji Rugby Union (1913-2013). The first conference of its kind in the region, the two-day event seeks to promote dissemination of emerging research on Fiji Rugby, foster discussions and promote collaboration between academic researchers, rugby practitioners, journalists, stakeholders and the public. Conference discussions and presentations will include analysis of Fiji rugby’s historic, cultural and socio-economic significance, gender and social inclusion, player mobility and links to Oceania as well as cutting-edge research on issues relating to health and high performance. The conference is designed to appeal to academics, practitioners and supporters of Fiji rugby.

 The conference sessions are open to the general public and students for free of charge (The conference lunches/teas/dinner/cocktail are by invitation only).

Keynote speeches will be delivered by Eric Rush (former All Black, Rugby Sevens captain, barrister and businessman), Pio Bosco Tikoisuva (former national rep, captain, coach, FRU CEO and diplomat), and Niko Besnier (Professor of Cultural Anthropology, Universiteit van Amsterdam)

 General enquiries may be directed to: Josephine Singh (singh_j(at)usp.ac.fj) and Tara Baikeirewa (baikeirewa_t(at)usp.ac.fj).

 Conference Convenors: Gaylene Osborne-Finekaso (University of the South Pacific, Fiji), Dr. Yoko Kanemasu (University of the South Pacific, Fiji), Dr. Robert Dewey (DePauw University, USA), Dr. Gyozo Molnar (University of Worcester, UK)

 The conference is supported by the New Zealand High Commission and Suva Point Apartments.