Stadium infrastructure needed: Saukuru

Fiji needs to up­grade its stadiums to international standard in order to host a leg of the HSBC SVSNS Series. Despite Fiji's global rugby reputation, Minister for Youth and Sports Jese Sauk­uru revealed in Parliament on Wednesday afternoon that the country is not ready to host any of the world's biggest rugby se­ries.

He also confirmed all Nations Champion­ship matches could not be hosted at home due to the same infrastructure issues. The question was raised to Saukuru by opposition Member of Parliament Joseph Nand.

Nand asked if there were plans to host a leg of the series in Fiji next year.

"Hosting a leg of the HSBC Sevens Series requires a stadium with a minimum seat­ing capacity of 25,000, world-class ameni­ties, professional-grade facilities, and strong operational and broadcast capabil­ity;" he said.

He added World Rugby has strict require­ments and Fiji's current stadiums and fa­cilities fall far below such standards. Saukuru said Fiji also lacks supporting infrastructure such as proximity to hospi­tals, international airports, and security capacity.

"Our national sporting infrastructure must first be significantly upgraded," Saukuru said, emphasising that it is the main barrier preventing Fiji from hosting international games.

Saukuru said Government was trying to accelerate progress but admitted that nothing concrete was in place.