While the off field result has been a tremendous success, the on field result of the last two games of the Fiji Water Flying Fijians has been deeply disappointing.
Fiji Rugby Chair John Sanday stated this to fijivillage News after their 73-8 loss to England, saying that it goes without saying that we have tremendous pride in our Flying Fijians and when results do not go our way, we are all naturally disappointed.
When questioned by us on the embarrassing loss against England, Sanday says no one is more naturally disapponted than the Board and management of FRU.
He says the pain, the hurt and the feelings of disappointment by the fans and supporters is something he can feel and he feels this deeply.
The FRU Chair says the last 8 months has seen them put in a lot of the work to deliver these three home games successfully and profitably.
He says for them at the Board level they have all been doing it without being paid - they have done it voluntarily.
Sanday says for example, Lailanie Burnes who was tasked to be their Director on the ground in the UK has been operating and living out of a campervan for the last 6 months.
He says all the expenses they have incurred to deliver these two home games was an investment that would generate a healthy and positive return.
When asked on the expenses being paid by FRU on the number of people they have taken across to Europe, Sanday says there are reasons why they had to take the people they took.
Sanday says there has been a lot of work going on behind the scenes in the UK in terms of meetings, marketing, networking and overall tour leadership.
He says the off the field activties have been hugely successful and the results of these meetings will start to show through in the next few months in terms of the benefits to Fiji Rugby.
The Chair says the surplus generated in the last two games is positive and moreso, yesterday witnessed the largest attendance in any Fiji home game in history with over 50,000 paying spectators.
He says the profit windfall from yesterday's game will be significant, and the total profits of the 3 home games will be invested back into their facilities, Member Unions and clear all the FRU inherited debt.
Sanday says they can, for once start and grow from a clean financial base.
He says the off field result can be classifed as spectacular.
The Chair says in the meantime they have to regroup and refocus themselves on the task ahead as they owe it to everyone to put in a good show in the final home game against Scotland this Sunday.
He adds that they are seeking the support and prayers from all Fijians for this weekend.
The Flying Fijians take on Scotland in their Nations Championship match at 1.10am Sunday.
