World Rugby has reaffirmed its commitment to the global development of the game with the hosting of its Rugby Committee meeting in Nadi.
Two‑time Rugby World Cup‑winning All Blacks captain Richie McCaw, who arrived in the country over the weekend will be the players' representative on the committee.
World Rugby Chairman, Bill Beaumont and CEO, Brett Gosper are also in the country for the meeting.
With rugby experiencing record‑breaking global participation and popularity growth, the body will consider the general health of the 15s and sevens disciplines as the sport prepares for a ground‑breaking first Rugby World Cup in Asia in 2019 and game‑changing Olympic Games participation.
The committee will also examine the opportunities and challenges facing Pacific Islands rugby and consider the high performance and competition requirements of Fiji, Samoa and Tonga within the current global calendar review.
The committee will hear from representatives of the three unions, who are currently implementing key governance reform measures, and the newly‑established Pacific Island Players' Association, with a view to identifying recommendations to strengthen the game in the Pacific Islands.
In addition there will be side meetings with Prime Minister, Voreqe Bainimarama, the Oceania National Olympic Committees and the International Rugby Players' Association.
Incoming World Rugby Chairman Bill Beaumont said rugby is currently experiencing significant global participation and profile growth and the game is generally in excellent shape.
Rugby Committee Chairman John Jeffrey said the Pacific Islands continue to contribute so much to the global game and they look forward to furthering the discussions that they have had with each of the unions to move towards strengthening the governance of the game in the Pacific Islands.
A traditional welcome ceremony for the World Rugby delegates will be held at Sofitel Resort in Nadi this afternoon.
