ON TIME
Work on the Fiji Rugby Union 7s bid is on track and it should be with World Rugby before the given deadline. The bid is for Fiji Rugby to host one of the tournaments of the HSBC World Sevens Series starting in the 2019/2020 series.
The Fiji 7s bid has been further boosted with the support of Fijian 7s maestro Waisale Serevi, legendary 7s coach Sir Gordon Tietjens and the Fijian people who regard 7s rugby as the national sport.
Speaking to SUNsports yesterday, FRU commercial management manager Brian Thorburn said they have 12 days to get the bid ready.
“We’re working hard on the technical bits to meet the requirements set by World Rugby,” he said.
“We’re working on our document in explaining the bid. At the moment we’ve already got 200 pages and we’re still working on it. We’re covering every issue ranging from security- safety of the teams in their hotels, games venue, medical and the list goes on.”
Thorburn said this also include the works they have done on finance, ticketing and portraying the beauty of the country as one of the tournament hosts.
He highlighted that their recent meeting with World Rugby representatives in Nadi had been helpful.
“They were great guidance and gave us great insight of what is to be done. That has helped us in our work in ensuring that we tick every box on the requirements set by World Rugby.”
FRU chief executive officer John O’Connor said there was an increase in the number of people that have registered online to support the bid.
“But we still want more people to register and we are urging everyone to join those that have registered online as we also have prizes for the winners as well.
“We had a meeting with corporate businesses and as show of support they are going to get all their employees to sign in.”
Thorburn indicated that they are going to have roadshows in the next few days to pump up more support.
“We’ll get players to be present in these roadshows and an opportunity for people to meet them and also we’ve prizes like signed jerseys to give away as well,” he added.
Edited by Grace Narayan
Feedback: leonec@fijisun.com.fj
