6750 Fans ONLY At Lawaqa Park

Strict measures in place in rugby double header Peter Mazey We’re aware of Safe Sports protocols- Tiko Matawalu

Only 6750 spectators will be allowed to watch the double-header rugby showdown between Suva and Nadroga at Lawaqa Park, Sigatoka on July 25.

This was after the Fijian National Sports Commission (FNSC) and Government reiterated that they are going to strictly follow the 50 per cent fans capacity as part of the COVID-19 pandemic regulations.

Nadroga Rugby Union president Tiko Matawalu told SUNsports yesterday that Lawaqa Park can accommodate 13,500 spectators.

“Yes we are aware of that but it will be up to the conditions the Fiji Rugby Union and Sports Commission agree on,” he said.

The clash marks the Skipper Cup opener where Suva are the defending champions while Nadroga holds the Farebrother-Sullivan Trophy.

Rugby is the country’s national sport and has a huge following especially when the Farebrother-Sullivan Trophy will be up for grab. Commission executive chairman, Peter Mazey said strict measures are in place to cater for the fans.

“There are very strict rules that the Fiji Sports Council have and this is similar to what they do at the movie theatres,” he said.

“If you are in your family bubble you’re able to attend in that bubble but we still have the arrangement of two seats between you and the next person in the stadium.”

CHALLENGES

Mazey said, the hard part is going to be the embankment and they are going to beef up their staff members to ensure that people are following the regulations.

“We are relying on people to do their part. Fijians have been good in responding to the regulations.

“Safe sports are certainly the way to go but Europe is pointing us towards sporting integrity.

“These protocols are certainly very important to everybody.”

The tickets are expected to be on sale from July 21 while the match kicks-off at 3pm.

PLAY YOUR PART

Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Youth and Sports Maritino Nemani has urged sporting federations to play their part in making sure safe sports protocols are carried out.

“You have all worked so hard to get the accreditation. At the national level you will understand how difficult it is to get these things going.

“The challenge for every federation is to assist Government, key stakeholders in assuring that people under your jurisdictions comply.

“We are in this together. We got to do our part.

“Then it is our job to educate our teams, clubs and fans on the precautionary measures,” he added.