Playing behind closed doors costly: Matawalu

Nadroga Rugby Union president confident of FRU’s formula

The Nadroga Rugby Union is hopeful that the Fiji Rugby Union will assist them if the provincial competition is to be played behind closed doors.

NRU president Tiko Matawalu told

SUNsports that without any gate takings it would be a challenge to meet all their expenses.

“The fans are the backbone of any team and they pump in the revenue through the gate takings,” he said. “Every union in the country always rely on the gate takings to finance its operation.

“These go for the provincial team’s games and club competition as well.”

Matawalu said they have had meetings with FRU chief executive officer John O’Connor and operations manager Sale Sorovaki about the situation.

“We’re hopeful FRU has a formula designed for this and it should only be for this season,” he said.

“If playing behind closed doors is the way forward for the sport then it should go ahead.

“We’ve no choice as far as the fans are concerned.

“They can still get access from the comfort of their living rooms.

“The drive in most player’s performance is the fans when they are out there supporting them.”

IMPROVISE

Matawalu said unions would have to improvise and adapt to the structure designed by FRU.

“That is the only possible way forward taken by the parent body then we just have to align. It’s probably just for this year. The lives of the general public is paramount so we can sacrifice games and competitions because it can happen again next year.”

The former Flying Fijians prop said from their meeting with FRU, they were aware of the plans that are in place.

“Now we’re coming close to June when school is scheduled to begin which is a sign that other things may open,” he said.

“So we’re working towards June 27 where there will be some sort of confirmation on the competition. “We’ve been told the plans and directions will be based on the conditions set by Government in terms of rugby,” he added.