$30,000 For Skipper Winner

CJ Patel has been labelled as a ‘loyal supporter’ of Fijian Rugby.

This was the remark of Fiji Rugby Union chief executive officer John O’Connor during the official an­nouncement of the March 19 start of the Skipper Fiji Rugby Champi­onship and the INKK Fiji Rugby Fa­rebrother Challenge.

“We are thankful to CJ Patel for their steadfast support since 2020,” he said yesterday.

“They (CJ Patel) were one of the sponsors which remained commit­ted in their support for Fiji Rugby maintaining their sponsorship ev­enthough they were also facing their own challenges due to COVID-19 and struggling financially.”

The winner of this year’s Skipper Fiji Rugby Championship will pock­et $30,000 while the runners-up will take home $15,000.

CJ Patel Group marketing man­ager Ashwin Prasad said they are pleased to partner with FRU despite last year’s uncertainties caused by the pandemic.

“Earlier this year we saw the launch of the Fun Flavour Super 7s Series that reinforces our commit­ment to FRU and grassroots rugby in the country.”

O’Connor said defending INKK Fiji Rugby Farebrother Challenge cham­pions Naitasiri have moved all their home games to Naluwai, where they are going to face challengers Namo­si on March 19.

In other matches defending Skip­per Fiji Rugby Championship cham­pions Suva are going to host Nadi at the ANZ Stadium while Rewa travel to Korovou to take on Northland at Gatward Park.

In another cracker Nadroga face Tailevu at Lawaqa Park, Sigatoka. All matches will kick off at 3pm.

O’Connor highlighted that all pro­vincial teams have already started with their off-season training and are now playing trial matches against each other.

He also indicated that the Fiji Rugby operation teams will ensure compliance to the new COVID-19 guidelines at all the venues once the competition gets underway.

Feedbacks: leonec@fijisun.com.fj