Advertising Feature: Fly Fiji Airways to see the home of the world’s great rugby players

Whether it’s sevens or 15s, Fiji has produced some of the world’s best rugby players. There’s the footwork, the handling skills, the pace and simply the willingness to try things – that’s why people around the world love watching Fijians play.

Here are just a few of the names who lined up for Fiji in the recent Pacific Nations Cup – European Player of the Year Leone Nakarawa, Aviva Premiership Player of the Year Vereniki Goneva, giant wing Nemani Nadolo and exciting centre Semi Radradra. The conveyor belt of talent is seemingly endless.

Related: Fiji show progress with Pacific Nations Cup triumph

So why not head to the Pacific to see the country that continually turns out such special players? The journey is not as daunting as you might think.

Fly from the UK to Singapore or Hong Kong, and you can get a direct flight to Nadi with Fiji Airways. Rugby World flew out for the Pacific Nations Cup, going to Singapore with British Airways before a simple transfer to the Fiji Airways flight – made even easier by the fact both airlines fly in and out of the same terminal.

Blue sky thinking: Fiji Airways have linked up with BA to offer flights from the UK to Fiji

The two airlines recently announced a partnership, which means you can purchase flights to Fiji via ba.com to connect more seamlessly.

Andre Viljoen, Managing Director and CEO of Fiji Airways, said: “We are extremely proud to embark on a codeshare with British Airways to give travellers from the UK convenient access to our home – Fiji, one of the world’s most sought after tourism destinations.

“Given the close historical ties between Fiji and Britain, and with thousands of Fijians serving in the British Army, our partnership will make it easier for families and friends to visit each other.”

The service on board Fiji Airways is top-notch too. Friendly, attentive and efficient, the cabin crew do everything with a smile – much like any Fijian rugby team. It’s clearly a national trait and a welcome one.

All aboard! Rugby World editor Sarah Mockford with the Fiji Airways cabin crew

The food on board deliciously blends western favourites with Pacific flavours with the help of their celebrity chef, the award-winning Robert Oliver. For those who like to travel in luxury, there’s the business class option – enjoy angled lie-flat seats, a generous amount of space and even a duvet.

There are direct flights to Nadi from Singapore twice a week and Hong Kong up to five times a week – see fijiairways.com for more details.

Once you’re in Fiji, there are myriad resorts where you can relax and unwind in beautiful surroundings with their idyllic beaches and lush forests. You can enjoy the sunshine and local hospitality – the people are friendly and the country is vibrant. Plus, you can see how popular the sport of rugby is across the islands.

Islands of talent: Fiji Sevens captain Jerry Tuwai (Getty Images)

Drive along the Coral Coast and you will see several immaculately maintained pitches on the side of the road. Walk around the capital Suva and you’re likely to see myriad rugby jerseys, from Fiji ones to All Blacks and Wallabies gear, to Super Rugby shirts and those of local clubs.

Fiji Airways is a big supporter of rugby in the country. In fact, they’re the exclusive sponsor and official airline of Fiji Rugby – you can see their logo emblazoned on the jerseys of the sevens and 15s teams.

Fly to Fiji in style and then discover what makes the country, as well as their rugby players, so special.