There are also other requirements like close proximity to an international hospital, international airport and hotel accommodation but the stadium is the most important criteria.
FRU board chairman John Sanday. Photo: Joshua Buredua
The lack of proper infrastructure and our inability to get monetary gains against stronger currency could see our hosting of three Test matches against Wales, England and Scotland next year being moved abroad.
Speaking to SUNsports yesterday Fiji Rugby Union (FRU) board chairman John Sanday said the minimum requirement of the stadium is 25,000 seats of which 10,000 must be covered.
“This is to ensure the financial viability of each match,” he said.
“There are also other requirements like close proximity to an international hospital, international airport and hotel accommodation but the stadium is the most important criteria.”
Sanday said not having a stadium of that size, is a blessing in disguise as it forces us to host these Test matches in neutral venues and allows us to earn significantly more in hard currency like the British pounds.
“The board will be evaluating proposals received from international event managers and promoters and will be making a decision very shortly.
“We will also be heading up to the UK (United Kingdom) to finalise negotiations and sign off.
“Based on each match, profit and loss scenarios, we are very confident of earning significant profits in British pounds that will be transformational for Fiji Rugby.
“Never before in our history have we been able to use an opportunity like this to make significant, and I mean significant, earnings that can be reinvested back in facilities and player development programmes.
Sanday said they (FRU board) has been looking at land parcels in the Sigatoka to Lautoka corridor and two have been identified and negotiations have commenced. This is for the stadium project.
“I am very comforted by the fact that we have a world class board that will make sensible decisions for the long term viability of our game, starting from grassroots to high performance rugby.
“The addition of Lailanie Burnes as a director, through the nominations of the Nadi and Yasawa Unions, just brings another dimension of stability and competence to the board.
“In saying that, I am also trying to build depth and competence in the FRU so we have a good crop of younger professionals that can continue to build Fiji Rugby into the future after us older ones’ tenure comes to an end.
“It is sensible succession planning.
“There is much more work to do and I will see to it that it is all done and FRU to become the global commercial operation that it should be,” he added.
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