The Serua Rugby Union will today officially lease the Thomson Park in Navua, says a senior official.

SRU president Mikaele Leawere yesterday praised the Fiji Sports Council and Government for their support for 2020.

“We managed to talk to the council and tomorrow (today) we will put pen to paper and sign the agreement,” he said.

“I thank the council for coming to our assistance and Government who had allocated some funds for the new Serua grounds which we will work on that later.

“We have a ground like that already, established and it is quite a blessing for us.”

After having to relocate from different venues last year, Leawere says, they are now able to secure a location where they could host their Vodafone Vanua Championship matches, club competition and other gatherings.

He indicated the leasing would be on a monthly basis, in terms of rental rates, and they pay the Fiji Sports Council $1000 per month.

“Last year we were going around to different locations during our home games and sometimes we had to ask Namosi Rugby Union to use the park.

“When Namosi had their games, we had to relocate to Uprising Beach Resort ground, which was a good ground but our boys could not adapt to it.”

Leawere says, with the approval of the council, the SRU plans to allow other organisations to hire and help pay for the monthly rental.

“We look at this as a good sign, not only in terms of sporting activities, we are also planning.
“We will discuss it in our management board meeting and we’re using the ground to provide awareness to our youths.

“Not only are we looking at preparations for the Vodafone Vanua Championship, but this will also upskill our players and for employment and education opportunities.”

Leawere said they’ve started their preparations for the Vanua Cup.

Serua’s first match in the Vanua Championship will be against Ba on May 1.
Edited by Leone Cabenatabua

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