Boost for FRU 7s
THE Fiji Rugby Union (FRU) has secured the assistance of its longterm partner, CJ Patel Pacific Ltd, as the sponsor for the next season of the Super Sevens Series.
The FRU, in a statement, said it was excited to strengthen and extend its relationship with the company after having to deliver the first season of the Super 7s Series in 2021 without a major sponsor.
The series will now officially be called the Fun Flavour Super Sevens Series.
FRU chief executive officer John O’Connor commended the company for its belief in grassroots rugby in Fiji and for supporting the series in addition to its sponsorship of the Skipper Fiji Rugby competition.
“We are so humbled for their support in such challenging times,” O’Connor said.
“We, at Rugby House, are extremely grateful to the team at CJ Patel Pacific Ltd for their loyalty and ongoing trust of Fiji Rugby through sponsoring the 7s Series.”
He thanked Coca-Cola Amatil Ltd for relaxing its sponsorship exemption and through this act of good faith and allowing CJ Patel Pacific Ltd to use its Fun Flavor product as the naming rights for the 2022 series.
“We are so grateful to the management of Coca-Cola Amatil Ltd for their kind heart, favourable consideration and for their love for Rugby.”
CJ Patel Pacific Ltd group general manager Pranil Singh said Fun Flavour had been an iconic brand in Fiji for decades and to associate it with 7s rugby, reinforced their desire to support the development of grassroots rugby in Fiji.
“Our sponsorship in the 7s series will allow aspiring players to showcase their talents and have their chance to represent Fiji on the global stage,” Singh said.
“As kids, we have all grown up with Fun Flavour and we want to ensure today’s generation will also get a chance to do the same and have fun at the same time.
“We have some exciting plans for the tournament and lots of giveaways and prizes during the games.
“We are delighted to be part of this new series under FRU banner and look forward to building this brand and lift the tournament to international standards in the next few years.
“CJ Patel Pacific Ltd has been a long-term partner with FRU with Skipper Cup that has been the development ground for all our current national rugby stars and now, some of them going on to be part of the Fijian Drua team also. The commitment from CJ Patel Pacific Ltd for the series further strengthens this relationship and is a testament to the faith sponsors have in FRU.”
Meanwhile, this weekend’s tournament at Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka was postponed yesterday because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
O’Connor earlier said 16 men’s and 12 women’s teams were sheduled to participate in the first leg of the series at Lawaqa Park starting today until Saturday.
The FRU cancelled the event after meeting the Fiji National Sports Commission and the Ministry of Youth and Sports.
O’Connor said the event was sheduled to start with the women’s competition today.
“With a lot of interest coming in from women’s clubs, we decided to have a three-day tournament.”
O’Connor highlighted that with the assistance of their sponsor, they would assist teams with $500 preparation grant, playing kits and rugby balls.
“The FRU has been working closely with participating teams with regards to the ‘Terms of Participation’, the ‘rules and regulations and especially the COVID-19 safe return to play protocols to ensure that the tournament is run smoothly as possible under the new normal.”
He said only fully vaccinated players and team officials were scheduled to participate.
The series’ men’s champion was scheduled to be awarded the series trophy and $20,000 prizemoney, the second-placed team was to get $10,000 while the third-placed team would receive $5000.
The women’s champion was to win the series trophy and $10,000, runner-up to get $5000 and thirdplaced team would receive $2000.
TOUCH Fiji Federation president Tevita Mau is confident of a good 2022 sporting year.
Mau said this year would consolidate their plans and developments for next year and 2024.
“We are eyeing participation at the 2023 Pacific Games in the Solomon Islands and the Youth Touch World Cup in Manchester. 2024 is the year for the Touch World Cup,” he said.
“This is another opportunity that will pit our best talents from the franchise touch league against some of Australia and New Zealand’s best.
“We are grateful to Tourism Fiji for their continuous support in this regard and also acknowledge the work that Luke Mataika from Nadi Touch Rugby Association is doing to ensure the realisation of this competition.
“Currently, we are doing our business house (BH) competition and are tiered towards the business house community. Our objective of the BH competition provide a platform of engagement among the business community where they have an enjoyable experience playing touch rugby.”
He said the federation was working on forming teams for senior community members.
He said TFF needed people to help administer new affiliate associations and the sport.
“In that regard, we are very thankful to the Fiji National Sports Commission, especially Saula Koroi and Jo Tuinamata for their continous support.
“We are working with FNSC towards the establishment of new affiliates in the West, Central Eastern and the Northern Division.
“Special mention to Tomasi Tiko and Peni Veitogavi, two former national reps who are prominent in the groundwork for the soon to be established Lautoka Touch Association.
“TFF is working with its stakeholders on the formulation of its 2022 to 2026 strategic plan that will map out Touch Federation Fiji direction.”
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Iosefo Masi and Taniela Sadrugu during a training session.