A step closer
WR confirms funding package for Pacific Island teams
THE inclusion of two Pacific Island sides in Super Rugby is another step closer thanks to a World Rugby financial package.
World Rugby has confirmed a $2.3 million annual funding package for an initial three-year period to support the two franchises, Fijian Drua and Moana Pasifika, in joining Super Rugby from 2022.
Both franchises will also be supported by their respective unions and private equity funding.
The decision was made following a detailed financial, performance and commercial feasibility study in partnership with New Zealand Rugby (NZR) and the respective unions. The funding is conditional on these franchises satisfying the necessary financial criteria for entry.
It’s more good news, after Stuff earlier this month reported NZR agreed to the “game changer” of sharing broadcast revenue with the Moana Pasifika and Fiji franchises.
NZ Rugby has been working alongside Moana Pasifika and Fiji for months to have them included in 2022, and despite a history of false dawns and disappointment it appears that the final sign-off could happen in the next few months.
World Rugby’s funding decision is aligned to core objectives of the governing body’s strategic plan to increase the competitiveness of the global game and ultimately the men’s and women’s Rugby World Cups, according to the statement released on Wednesday morning.
It supports the ambition to develop locally-based players into test players for the three nations, giving each union the best opportunity to perform to their full potential on the world stage.
“The game-changing potential of the executive committee’s decision to support Pacific Island Super Rugby franchises should not be underestimated. From a strategic perspective, it provides the best-possible platform and pathway for the Islands to reach their potential,” World Rugby chairman Sir Bill Beaumont said in a statement.
“On a human level, this is absolutely the right thing to do. It is great for the players, allowing them to make the choice for the first time to be part of a local professional team at the top level of elite club rugby.
“While recognising that there are still steps to complete, I would like to thank everyone involved, including the unions as well as New Zealand Rugby and Rugby Australia, for their full commitment to this project which is great for rugby.”
Fiji Rugby Union chief executive John O’Connor believes the development is one of the most important in the history of Fiji rugby, labelling it a “dream come true” for Pacific Island rugby.
“We have been urging for such an opportunity, and it is almost in our grip.
“This is the missing piece to our rugby puzzle in the Pacific Islands and more importantly to Fiji rugby. Being included in Super Rugby completes our elite pathway and will allow our best players to have the opportunity to play professional rugby right here at home.
“We are not over the line yet. However, we are working very hard to meet all the requirements set by NZR, including strict financial diligence requirements by the end of March to satisfy the NZR board that we will be able to field a strong team on the field and a sustainable and profitable franchise.”
Super Rugby inclusion would be a significant boost for players who wish to stay close to home and represent a truly historic venture, and it is a move that has had player representation at the heart of the decision-making process.
“Our work behind the scenes over many years in partnership with Fiji, Tonga and Samoa and World Rugby has led to this pivotal moment.
“We are close now to achieving a step that I wasn’t sure would be possible, and this funding opportunity for both teams is a big boost to help get a truly historic project across the line,” Pacific rugby players chairman Hale T Pole said.