The Fijian National Rugby League (FNRL) yesterday received $125,000 sponsorship from Pacific Energy for the Fijian Bati team’s preparation for the Rugby League World Cup in October next year.

This is the biggest partnership by Pacific Energy to a single sporting body.

The sponsorship will be split into two; $100,000 in cash will be dedicated solely to the Fijian Bati’s preparation while $25,000 will go towards the management in ensuring that all vehicles are fueled and running smoothly on Pacific Energy fuel.

Pacific Energy chief executive officer Randall Vallette said it made sense to partner with FNRL as they are impressed with what they have achieved in supporting local talents.

“As Fijians, we all love our rugby and Pacific Energy also has a soft spot for rugby league because of the values it shares such as honesty, teamwork, performance and integrity,” Vallette said.

“We are impressed with what FNRL has achieved in supporting our local talents to gain a decent career through contracts and these players in turn contribute to our local economy through remittances.

“I am very proud to have scored a try with the FNRL in this sponsorship.

“We want to wish FNRL and our Fijian Bati team the very best in their preparations and participation in the RLWC.”

Meanwhile, FNRL chairman Filimoni Vosarogo said the sponsorship will be a huge boost for the Bati.

“Our Fijian Bati will be one of the most decorated side in the history of rugby league in the first game in Townsville in October 2017.

“The likes of Jarryd Hayne, the Sims brothers, the Saifiti twins, Kane Evans, Eloni Vunakece, Waqa Blake, John Sutton, Kevin Naiqama, Suliasi Vunivalu, Akuila Uate and Jason Bukuya are but just a few names among a list of prominent players in line to claim a spot in next year’s world cup team.

“I am so pleased to see Pacific Energy’s sponsorship not only for the national team but also for the Kinoya Sea Eagles team that reached the semifinals of the Vodafone Cup this year.

“This sponsorship will no doubt help us move our development programme, assist in learning our fuel bills and also help in going into areas and communities where rugby league is destined to grow.”

The Fijian Bati team reached the semifinal stage in the last two World Cups in 2008 in Australia and in 2013 in England and Wales.

The 2017 Rugby League World Cup will be held in Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea from October 26 to December 2.

Edited by Osea Bola

Feedback:  justine.mannan@fijisun.com.fj