The Vodafone Flying Fijians received a generous boost of $200,000 from the Fiji National Sports Commission to assist with their 2015 Rugby World Cup preparations.

Following their 30-22 win over Ikale Tahi Tonga in the 2015 World Cup Pacific Nations Cup opener yesterday, the FNSC presented the cheque to head coach John McKee, captain Akapusi Qera and Fiji Rugby Union chief executive officer Radrodro Tabualevu.

FNSC chairman Peter Mazey said it was part of their efforts to give the national side all the support they needed.

“This is part of the build-up to the Rugby World Cup. We’re fully supporting the Flying Fijians because we believe that they’re a winning team and they will do Fiji proud this year. They getting stronger every week and we look forward to their next encounter.

“The World Cup is an expensive business so we want to be sure that our boys are well-funded and financially backed and that the Fiji Rugby Union has all the support they need to manage the boys towards as well as at the World Cup.

“We’re hoping that each time we give the team $200,000, the people come forward and give $200,000 also, which is basically 200,000 people giving $1 each. We support this team and believe they can win this tournament and go on to perform their very best at the World Cup.”

Accepting the cheque, head coach McKee expressed their gratitude for the continuous assistance FNSC provided.

“We really appreciate the assistance we get from the Sports Commission and it’s not just for the Rugby World Cup but for all our national teams. Our Rugby World Cup campaign is an expensive business.

“Bringing all our players and camping them, all the training and travel and that sort of thing. Without the assistance of the Sports Commission it would be impossible for us to run the sort of preparations that we do.”

Feedback: eroni.tuinaceva@fijisun.com.fj