CJ Patel Group of Companies help Rugby Union to grow

Ahelping hand needs to be applauded for doing a generous deed. And one needs to be complimented for helping out especially in the current demanding circumstances.

It’s not too much to ask for as its part of human nature to show thanks and appreciate an act of human kindness.

Rugby is now a marketable commodity and sponsors play a key role in making the oval ball game a vibrant industry on a global scale.

It’s a do-or-die, make or break as corporate sponsors make it happen.

Without them, we are a no-no as it’s hard to get things off the ground and kick things into action.

We rely on sponsors to fund operation in the running of the game and therefore we must give credit where it’s due.

As we prepare to dawn into a new era taking part in the 2022 Super Rugby, we must take a serious look at how we treat/value our sponsors in the domestic competitions.

Never before have we secured a major partnership like CJ Patel Group of Companies who have invested $5million since 2014 to help grow our game domestically.

Early this month a further $2m is invested for the next three years in sponsoring the Skipper Provincial Cup, INKK FRU Farebrother-Sullivan Trophy and the Bainimarama Shield Challenge.

It’s unfortunate therefore that in the first two rounds of the Skipper Provincial Cup comp, some venues have neglected providing the mileage sponsors deserved.

On Saturday at Ratu Cakobau Park Two, the Tailevu Rugby Football Union covered the perimeters of the ground not to allow fans to have a free peek.

And in doing so, put up tarpaulins which displayed products/brands which is not linked to CJ Patel Group.

What’s worrying was that the display was so big and glaring in that you can’t miss it while the Skipper Tuna banner loses it visibility.

One such banner carries the words ‘The Wolf Of Wall Street.”

While this may not be the fault of Tailevu Rugby, we again stressed the point that this is what we get when we play premier domestic comp in substandard venues. Fans pay to watch their teams and deserved proper seating.

Players trained in better grounds during the week only to be forced to play in substandard fields.

The sooner we get Ratu Cakobau Park back in use would be a win-win for all concerned.

CJ Patel Group have been the strength and stay of domestic rugby in the last 7s years and deserved better, mileage, treatment and recognition.