Fiji rugby ties to Bordeaux ahead of France-Fiji match, Digi Mart USA News (Bordeaux, France): On the occasion of France versus Fiji, a look back at the privileged ties linking the Pacific archipelago to Bordeaux. Between a consulate, the 2023 Rugby World Cup and lasting memories left at the Renaissance hotel, Fijians have won over far more than rugby fans.
On Saturday evening, Fiji will face the French XV in Lyon. The fixture naturally brings back particular memories in Bordeaux, a city that has for several years maintained a privileged link with the Pacific archipelago.
The bond is built on rugby, but also on human encounters, friendship and mutual respect. The publication 100%UBB sought to understand this unusual relationship.
First, Bordeaux is home to Fiji’s consulate in France, a somewhat surprising arrangement for a country more than 16,000 kilometers from the Gironde. “It’s a long story,” says Bruno Finance, Fiji’s consul in Bordeaux.
Originally, the archipelago had no diplomatic representation in France, and the Fijian embassy based in Belgium handled all relations with the European Union. The growth of professional rugby and the arrival of many Fijian players in mainland France changed the situation.
“We needed to help the Fijian community in France, especially rugby players who could have administrative difficulties,” explains Bruno Finance. Based in Bordeaux, he naturally became the main point of contact for Fijians passing through or settled in France.
For Gilles Navarro, journalist and author of the book Les Fidjiens, ces magiciens du rugby, this presence is no coincidence. “Many Fijian rugby players settled in the Southwest after their careers.
They found a gentle way of life that suited them perfectly.” Some chose to stay in Angoulême, Libourne or the Bordeaux area, gradually building lasting bridges between the two territories. These ties were further strengthened during the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
The Fijian squad had chosen Bordeaux as its base camp, staying for six weeks at the Renaissance hotel. Its director, Cédric Ducaudin, has particularly strong memories of the experience.
To welcome the delegation, the hotel team had arranged several gestures. Messages of support, children’s drawings and photos sent directly from Fiji were displayed in the players’ common areas.
One player even recognized a family member in one of the photos. “In one photo, a player identified his nephew.
It touched him deeply,” recounts Cédric Ducaudin.
The Fijians also left a strong impression through their everyday conduct. Before leaving, they wanted to thank the staff by organizing a traditional meal.
The highlight was a large Fijian barbecue prepared using ancestral methods, with meat and vegetables cooked underground in banana leaves. It was a memorable celebration, although the hotel lawn suffered somewhat from the effort.
“They dug to carry out their traditional cooking. We had to redo part of the garden,” the Renaissance director now jokes.
When the team departed, however, “The Fijians had tidied everything and cleaned up. The rooms were spotless.” Cédric Ducaudin recalls: “It was almost embarrassing.
At times, we had the impression the roles were reversed and that they were looking after us.”
Through their passion for rugby, hospitality and respect for others, the Fijians left a lasting mark on Bordeaux. Beyond the tries scored on the pitch, they above all won the hearts of those who worked alongside them.
