Olympic gold medal winning former Fiji 7s coach Ben Ryan says a revolutionary plan is being worked on to end the player drain from the Pacific Islands by establishing a Super Rugby franchise in Fiji - and it has already secured more than NZ$35 million (FJD $52 million) of backing.
Stuff.co.nz reports that it is understood that more than four global companies and two leading kit manufacturers have pledged to fund the proposal to create the best club side in world rugby on the island.
The new team, which could be operational by 2018, would be based in a new 20,000‑seat stadium included in plans to develop the Port Denarau Marina in Fiji, close to Nadi Airport.
Ben Ryan claims the move would be a “world game changer”.
Some 19% of professional players worldwide are Pacific Islanders or of Pacific Islands descent.
Ryan who is spearheading the initiative believes the impact of this plan would see Fiji win the Rugby World Cup one day.
He says Fiji has shown in sevens what the players can do and if you just look at the impact the Fiji players are having on the tier one countries, they are their star players in New Zealand, Australia, England and France.
Ryan says they have got some of the biggest companies in the world backing this who have ties with the Pacific Islands and he has had conversations and they have got money on the table to be able to pay for all of this and they will have more money behind the team than any other Super Rugby franchise.
He says they could make the best club in the world.
Ryan believes a new Super Rugby franchise in Fiji, which could lead to a second one in Tonga, would have a much greater impact on the player drain than extending the residency qualifications from three to five years, which is under consideration.
Source: stuff.co.nz
