Back 7s Bid
We leaving no stones unturned, giving World Rugby no excuse to say no. They have to come to Fiji because we have put through a compelling bid-Greg Peters
Fiji Rugby Union will submit its bid to World Rugby to host a leg of the 2019/2020 World Sevens Series on February 28. And the FRU is calling on the people of Fiji to show their support in the next six weeks. FRU general manager commercial Brian Thorburn said during the six weeks campaign, people can register their support on Fijifor7s.com website and they will soon be launching their Facebook and Twitter page for the public to show their support.
“We want the entire country to be behind our bid,” Thorburn said.
“During the six weeks campaign we will be running commercials in the media to get many people as we possibly can hopefully 100,000 Fijians will be amazing.
“We will also be reaching out to villages, schools and towns to sign up and support the bid. “Hopefully by the end of February we show World Rugby that Fiji can host a leg of the World Sevens Series.” FRU chief executive officer John O’Connor said: “We have a lot of work ahead of us prior to the closing of the bid period. We need to submit a credible and winning bid that warrants serious consideration.
“Should we be successful, this tournament will not only benefit FRU but all Fijians and Fiji as a nation.”
Win A Trip To Hong Kong
All those that will register their support will go into the draw and win a trip for two to the Hong Kong 7s on April 6-8. The package includes return tickets, four nights’ accommodation and three days tickets to the tournament.
The FRU has put together a task force led by Thorburn who will be assisted by former Argentina Rugby Union and South Africa, New Zealand, Australia and Argentina Rugby (SANZAAR) chief executive Greg Peters.
Player Welfare Paramount
“One of the criteria is the player welfare,” Peters said.
“This means we need to have world class facilities in terms of training, medical and playing facilities. Everything that’s wrapped around player’s welfare has to be in place.
“We also need to see the commercial relevant how the tournament in Fiji will relate to main sponsor HSBC. But we have a story to tell especially Fiji being the natural home for 7s and the home of 2016 Rio Olympic gold medal winners.
“We don’t have proof of hosting major events previously but we do have many local 7s tournaments being hosted in the country.
“We need the proper infrastructure, the need of a stadium, transport logistics and we also need a large number of volunteers.” Peters stressed they would need to tick all the boxes by February 28. “We need to tick these absolute mandatory things. It’s a good thing we have the Government’s support, our bid is starting from ground zero and building up. “We are leaving no stones unturned, giving World Rugby no excuse to say no. They have to come here because we have put through compelling bid. It’s a massive challenge,” Peters said.