The Australian Government has provided funding to help establish the Fijian Drua and their potential inclusion in the Super Rugby Trans-Tasman competition next year as well as support the Men’s and Women’s National 7s teams for the Tokyo Olympics.
It will also support the Fijiana to join Rugby Australia’s Super W competition.
The value of funding has not been revealed.
FRU CEO John O’Connor says they are humbled and grateful to the Australian Government for the support and without it they would not have been able to participate in the Oceania 7s this weekend.
O’Connor says the funding for the Fijian Drua will help them bring back their best players home from overseas and retain the local players.
He says it will also allow them to offer full-time playing contracts to ensure they can field a highly competitive team in the Super Rugby Trans-Tasman competition.
O’Connor adds having the Drua join the Super Rugby Trans-Tasman competition will greatly assist their preparation for the Rugby World Cup to be held in France in 2023.
The Australian High Commissioner to Fiji, John Feakes says rugby is a great unifier between Australians and their Fijian vuvale.
Feakes says supporting the Fiji 7s team to compete in the Oceania 7s and hopefully win gold in Tokyo is a great demonstration of the close sporting ties.
He adds their support for the Drua and Fijiana is a reminder for all Fijians that there are brighter days ahead.
