Nicky Tyrone Little is a distinguished former professional rugby union footballer, renowned for his exceptional skills as a fly-half. His career is marked by significant contributions to both club and international rugby, showcasing his talent on various prestigious platforms. Little began his professional journey in New Zealand, where he played for Canterbury and North Harbour, establishing himself as a formidable player in provincial rugby before making a pivotal move to England.
In late 1999, Little joined the Sale Sharks, where he quickly made an impact. His subsequent transfer to Dax in France was followed by stints at Pontypridd and Saracens, further solidifying his reputation in European rugby. Throughout his club career, he demonstrated remarkable scoring ability, culminating in a total of 652 points for Fiji, making him the Pacific region’s second highest active point scorer.
Little’s international career with Fiji began in 1996, and he made an impressive debut against the Springboks at just 19 years old. He became Fiji’s all-time highest points scorer by the time of the 2003 Rugby World Cup, where he earned four caps and scored 45 points. His standout performance in the 2007 World Cup, where he helped Fiji reach the quarter-finals, highlighted his importance to the team.
After his playing days, Little transitioned into coaching and development, founding Canterbury’s Elite Rugby Player Development Centre. This initiative aims to nurture grassroots rugby talent, reflecting his commitment to the sport’s future. Nicky Little’s legacy in rugby is characterized by his scoring prowess, leadership, and dedication to fostering the next generation of players.