By Coventry Rugby 
Coventry Rugby is proud to announce the signing of Onisivoro Sukani Nayagi, a dynamic talent from the British Army Rugby set-up, ahead of the upcoming season.
Known for his power, pace, and versatility, Nayagi has built a reputation within the Army Rugby Union as a standout performer, consistently impressing with his physicality and rugby intelligence.
The move to Butts Park Arena marks his first step into professional club rugby, and Coventry Rugby is thrilled to provide a platform for his continued development.
“It’s great to welcome Oni to Coventry. What really stood out was his hunger and desire to take this opportunity – that really impressed me. His skill set and work rate suit the way we want to play. We have a really strong relationship with the British Army and would like to thank them for making this possible.” said Alex Rae, Head Coach of Coventry Rugby.
Onisivoro Sukani Nayagi brings with him an impressive rugby résumé that reflects his consistent development across both sevens and fifteens formats. He first emerged on the international scene representing Fiji U18 in the Tri Nations and was later named in the Fiji U20 extended squad. A standout in sevens, he competed with the renowned Tabadamu 7s team, claiming the Vailima Marist 7s title in Samoa. Onisivoro made his debut for the British Army in the 2020/21 Army 7s Super Series, where his side finished as runners-up. His impact grew further in the 2022/23 season, helping the 1st Battalion Royal Yorkshire Regiment secure the Army 15s Premiership title and later lifting the Military 7s World Cup. Most recently, in the 2024/25 campaign, he played a key role in the Army 15s Development squad, contributed to their Inter-Service Championship victory at the senior level, and helped guide the team to a runners-up finish in a highly competitive tournament.
“I’m humbled and grateful for this opportunity, and especially thankful for the support my regiment – 1st Battalion Royal Yorkshire Regiment – has shown in enabling me to pursue it. Coventry is a great club, and I’m excited to be part of it. I can’t wait to join the team and get stuck in! Vinaka!” said Oni.
The signing underscores Coventry’s commitment to scouting and developing talent from non-traditional pathways, particularly those with proven discipline, commitment, and drive – qualities Onisivoro Nayagi embodies through his military background.
Coventry Rugby’s relationship with the British Army represents more than just a partnership between two proud institutions – it’s a collaboration built on shared values of discipline, resilience, and excellence. It offers the club a unique opportunity to grow, drawing on the Army’s wealth of experience in high-performance environments. By welcoming players like Onisivoro Sukani Nayagi and current squad member Senitiki Nayalo, Coventry continues to strengthen this bond both on and off the field.
This connection also fosters a culture of knowledge sharing, where lessons in leadership, teamwork, and elite preparation flow both ways. The Army’s expertise in cultivating mentally and physically robust individuals offers valuable insights that extend beyond matchday – from player development and mindset to organisational structure and culture. This ongoing exchange will continue to benefit Coventry Rugby across all areas of the club, on the pitch and behind the scenes.
Nick Johnston, Coventry Rugby CEO, said:
“Our connection with the British Army is something we value deeply. It’s not just about talent identification – it’s about embracing the opportunity to learn from an elite organisation with a proven track record in developing individuals who perform at their best under pressure. The leadership, discipline, and team-first mentality that the Army instils align perfectly with our own values as a club. Through this relationship, we’re not only bringing in players of exceptional calibre like Onisivoro and Senitiki, but we’re also building a culture enriched by shared knowledge and mutual respect. It’s a partnership that enhances how we operate on the field, and across every part of the organisation.”
2025/26 season memberships are now available – secure yours today at www.coventryrugby.co.uk/membership.
