Former chief executive officer of the Professional Golfers Association of Australia (PGA), Brian Thorburn, has been appointed as the new Commercial Management manager for the Fiji Rugby Union (FRU).

The 24/7 Sport consultancy CEO will be on a short term basis to assist FRU in the development of strong working relationships with the sponsors in successfully commercialising the FRU brand.

Thorburn said he was excited with the new appointment and could not wait to tackle the task at hand.

“I would like to thank the board of the Fiji Rugby Union for the faith that they have shown in me and appointed me to this position,” he said.

“It is a very fantastic opportunity for me.

“As you all know I was part of the Commercial management of the Australian Rugby Union and I have almost over 20years of experience in sports management.

“Rugby though is one of my passion. I used to play the sport since I was a junior.”

He said it felt great to be here in Fiji and work for the FRU.

FRU Board chairperson Francis Kean said the FRU board and management was happy to have Thorburn on board and his appointment came with a huge responsibility of marketing the Fiji Rugby brand.

“We are pleased to have reached an agreement with Brian. This partnership represents an important milestone in the delivery of commercial product and services solutions including staging of major events, merchandising, stakeholder’s management, brand marketing, social media management, intellectual property management and Public relations.

“The position is to provide strong leadership for the commercial team and will focus specifically on ensuring Fiji Rugby is relevant, respected and provides a strong value proposition for all current and future stakeholders, partners and the community,” Kean said.

Edited by Paula Tuvuki

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