Fiji Rugby Union (FRU) operations manager and tournament director Jikoibau Matawalu yesterday confirmed that the INKK Farebrother Sullivan trophy match between Suva and Lautoka will be held at Lawaqa Park, Sigatoka on Saturday.

“The reason why Lawaqa Park is the selected venue is because Churchill Park, Lautoka is not available this weekend,” Matawalu said.

“A global Seventh Day conference will be held in Churchill Park on Saturday which is why we had opt for an alternate ground.”

Matawalu said they did not consider Prince Charles Park in Nadi as the South Pacific Boxing will be staged there.

“The preparation for that boxing event begins on Friday and the secondary schools western zone sevens will be held there tomorrow (today),” he said.

“Lawaqa has been booked from the beginning of the season, that’s the nearest and the best alternative ground for Lautoka to host the Farebrother match.”

Matawalu said they had communicated with Lautoka Rugby Union (LRU) to look for other options.

“They (LRU) were given time to confirm booking for Churchill Park unfortunately they couldn’t move that booking because it’s a global Seventh Day Adventist conference,” he said.

“The match next week will depend on who wins the trophy if Lautoka defends the trophy then it would be the same, them looking at Churchill Park but if Suva happens to win then we’ll see if HFC Bank stadium or Ratu Cakobau Park is available.”

Matawalu is urging the rugby fans to come out in numbers at Lawaqa this Saturday to witness the Farebrother match between Lautoka and Suva dubbed the battle of the cities, kicking off at 3pm.

Curtain raiser is the ANZ Bosco Trophy Challenge between Suva vs Nasinu at 1pm

Admission Fees: Adults – $15 flat and children under 12 – $5 flat.

Feedback: ioane.asioli@fijisun.com.fj