The move by CJ Patel to renew their partnership with the Fiji Rugby Union is deemed as Godsent.

These were the words of Fiji Rugby Union chief executive officer John O’Connor when they officially announced yesterday a new partnership for the next three years.

“I had been praying for sponsors,” O’Connor said.

“I could say CJ Patel’s coming in as Godsent as they have renewed our partnership despite the pandemic crisis.

“CJ Patel has been with Fiji Rugby for the past seven years and now it’s another three more years. To me this is like a lifelong partnership.”

The partnership now include the sponsorship for the:

• Skipper Fiji Rugby Championship (the tournament will be known as Skipper Provincial Cup)
• INKK Fiji Rugby Farebrother Challenge
• Bainimarama Challenge Shield.

“We’re so thankful to CJ Patel for their steadfast support in 2020 as they were one of the sponsors who remained steadfast in their support for Fiji Rugby,” he said.

“CJ Patel in maintaining their sponsorship allowed us to successfully complete the 2020 competition.”

As part of the new sponsorship, he says, CJ Patel has agreed to the acquirement of a new Championship Trophy, which we will be sourced from overseas to reflect the long partnership they have had.

O’Connor said the original INKK Fiji Rugby Farebrother Challenge Trophy once repaired will be housed at the Fiji Museum.

Another is the home and away kits for the senior teams’ only, one set of kits for the Development and Under-19 teams with each union also been given 12 balls.

CJ Patel Group general manager sales and marketing Pranil Singh said “CJ Patel Group of Companies is pleased to renew its commitment for the development of provincial rugby in Fiji.

“Since its inception in 2014, CJ Patel has invested over $5 million in sponsoring and supporting provincial rugby with a clear vision to help identify and promote raw talent that we believe exists in Fiji.

“The additional $2m sponsorship over the next three years, marks our commitment to take provincial level rugby to newer heights and our confidence in Fiji Rugby to deliver the same.”

Singh said they are confident that with the assistance of this sponsorship, Fiji Rugby will successfully defend the gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics in Japan later this year.

He further added that they have a range of activities planned during the games and off game days to keep the excitement going over the next 17 weeks.

“It starts this weekend with nail-biting rugby action in the double header clash of the Skipper Provincial Cup and INKK Farebrother Challenge.

“Have a good, clean competition and may the best team win” said Singh.

O’Connor clarified that, the women would have their own separate competition and they hope to make an announcement on the launch of the competition in a near future.

In addition to this sponsorship, CJ Patel has also supported Fiji Rugby in their sponsorship for the Weet-Bix (7s Team Breakfast Campaign and their match ball campaign).

“We are just so thankful to CJ Patel for their tremendous support for Fiji Rugby and grassroots rugby in our time for real need.

“The championship model provides a battleground week-in and week-out, ensuring that all teams and their players deliver quality rugby,” O’Connor added.

The Fiji Rugby CEO said that they will continue the same format introduced last year, where the holder of the INKK Farebrother Trophy” will challenge the team at home.

New Nadroga board

Jiuta Waqavonovono is the new Nadroga Rugby Union president.

He takes over from Jikoibau Matawalu.

Other elected board members include Peceli Nakavulevu, Simione Valenitabua, Ana Rokomokoti, Kitione Nadaro,Ben Naresia, Sairusi Dukuno, Napolioni Batimala and Matawalu.

Batimala is also the Fiji National Rugby League board director. The board will be in for a  four-year term.
Feedback:  leonec@fijisun.com.fj