The Fiji National Sports Commission has presented a grant totalling $2.5m towards the Fiji Airways Flying Fijians’ Japan Rugby World Cup campaign.

The funding is part of an ongoing Government grant towards the team which started flowing in during last year’s November European tour.

Commission executive chairman Peter Mazey said the funding represented Government’s and the commission’s commitment to Fiji’s cup bid in Japan.

He hopes the funding will help bolster the team’s chances at the showcase event.

“And so this cheque is for the preparation and participation for our Flying Fijians,” he said.

Fiji Rugby Union chief executive officer John O’Connor said Government’s support was pivotal to the team performing well in Japan.

“The grant has been ongoing government assistance from last year when we went on the northern tour, throughout this year and leading up to the World Cup,” he said.

“We’ve signed an agreement with Mazey for another cheque of $650,000 which will go directly into looking after the players as they journey to Japan.”

Team head coach John McKee also thanked the commission for their support

“On behalf of the Flying Fijians and all the team management, we’re extremely grateful for the support we get from the Fijian Government and the Fiji National Sports Commission,” he said.

“It wouldn’t be possible to run the world-class programme we’re running in our preparation without this kind of support from the Government.”

Edited by Osea Bola

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