Suva, Fiji – After a combined 25 years of broadcasting Fiji Rugby matches, iconic commentators Alan Whalley and Nick Taylor have announced their retirement, effective immediately.
Whalley, 62, and Taylor, 58, have been the voice of Fiji Rugby since the late 1990s, bringing their unique blend of enthusiasm, knowledge, and humor to the airwaves. Their partnership has been a staple of Fiji Rugby broadcasts, entertaining fans with their play-by-play and color commentary.
“We’ve had an incredible run,” Whalley said in a joint statement. “We’ve been fortunate to be a part of so many memorable moments in Fiji Rugby history, from the team’s Olympic gold medals to the thrill of watching young stars emerge. It’s time for us to step aside and let the next generation of broadcasters take the reins.”
Taylor added, “We’ve been blessed to have had such an amazing ride. We’ve seen the highs and lows, and through it all, we’ve tried to bring our best game to the broadcast every day. We’re grateful for the support of the Fiji Rugby Union, our colleagues, and most importantly, our fans.”
The duo’s retirement marks the end of an era for Fiji Rugby broadcasting. They will be remembered for their iconic calls, including Whalley’s famous “Fiji! Fiji!” phrase during his play-by-play calls.
Fiji Rugby Union General Manager, Kausea Suljik, expressed his appreciation for Whalley and Taylor’s contributions to the sport. “Alan and Nick have been an integral part of our sport’s growth and development in Fiji. Their passion, expertise, and dedication to our fans have been unmatched. We’re grateful for their service and wish them all the best in their future endeavors.”
The Fiji Rugby Union has announced that they will hold a special ceremony to honor Whalley and Taylor during their final game broadcast on June 15th. Fans are encouraged to attend and celebrate the careers of two beloved broadcasting legends.
Whalley and Taylor will be deeply missed by Fiji Rugby fans everywhere, but their legacy will live on through the countless memories they’ve helped create on the airwaves.
In a bittersweet move, the Fiji Rugby Union announced that they will be replacing Whalley with veteran broadcaster Moses Teiwaqa, who will join longtime color commentator Marika Vunibaka to form a new broadcast duo
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