North HPU Bid

Plans to build a multimillion-dollar High Performance Unit (HPU) for the Macuata Rugby Union in Naqai, Labasa, Va­nua Levu, has been put on hold as investigations over allegations of breaching internal processes at the Rugby House in Suva are ongo­ing.

Fiji Rugby Union chief executive officer John O’Connor is voluntari­ly on annual leave following the ter­mination of three staff members last month in the HQ’s finance unit.

However, Macuata Rugby Union president Maikali Dimuri told SUNSports that plans to build the North HPU were proposed and ap­proved by Fiji Rugby Union presi­dent, Voreqe Bainimarama.

The Macuata Rugby Union has secured 26 acres of land in Naqai, which will house the proposed project. It will include standard grounds, a gym and workspaces.

Dimuri was also told by a staff member at Fiji Rugby Union that the HPU project would be co-funded by World Rugby.

“It is a big development. I had per­sonally come to Suva to propose the project to Bainimarama, which he approved,” Dimuri said.

“The clan is getting 60 per cent of the landowning unit signatures: we need to ensure that everything is done legally and in a proper way.

“The proposed project is impor­tant for the development of the players in Macuata. We do not have facilities to train players."

"Rugby is now a career pathway, and we would like our players undergoing preparatory programmes in La­basa instead of going to Viti Levu.”

At times, he said they could not hold any rugby match at Labasa’s Subrail Park because the grounds were used for carnivals, bazaars, football matches and other events.

“Having an international stand­ard rugby ground will boost the performance of our men and wom­en in the North, and gives us the opportunity to host international events, like 7s rugby,” he said.

“It will boost economic activity in the North in terms of hosting big teams from overseas.”

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