Commission Helps Test Costs

It costs over $2m to host international test matches here

It will cost over $2 million to host international test matches against Tier One nations for the Vodafone Flying Fijians.

This was revealed by Fijian National Sports Commission executive chairman Peter Mazey yesterday. To help cover costs, the Commission on behalf of the Government presented a cheque of $580,000 to the Fiji Rugby Union yesterday. The support from Government shows how important they view the test matches against Australia, Italy and Scotland. “Having three test matches cost over $2 million to host and Fiji is very lucky because of that amount, World Rugby contributes about 50 per cent and the sponsors are giving about $200,000,” Mazey said. “Government has now decided to give FRU $580,000 for the three tests. This is how important we see these test matches.

“I think it is very important that everybody knows that playing Italy is very good for rugby in Fiji and good for our development.

“Playing Scotland is better because if we do well against Scotland we can actually improve our world ranking which is very important, as well as the game this weekend against Australia.

“This year we are very lucky that the Flying Fijians have three test matches against Tier One nations and they are all in the next few weeks.”

Meanwhile, Fiji Rugby Union chief executive officer John O’Connor said the FRU is indebted to the Fijian National Sports Commission and Government as without their support, World Rugby would not have granted the test matches against Tier One nations.

“Rugby is really fortunate this year to have three test matches, but as Mazey has said, when we host Tier One nations, the cost is massive. Fiji Rugby is indebted to the Government and FNSC for coming on board and supporting us. “Without the support of Government, I think World Rugby would have been reluctant to give us the three test matches.

“With the continued support of Government we are positive that we will have such games against tier one nations which we will be hosting.”

Photo: Kunal Keshneel Fijian National Sports Commission chairman Peter Mazey hands over the cheque to Fiji Rugby Union chief executive officer John O’Connor.