The country’s parent body for rugby, the Fiji Rugby Union is not aware of any discussion that former 7s coach, Ben Ryan has been having with possible sponsors nor has FRU commissioned Ryan to undertake any such work.
When questioned by Fijivillage on a Fijian Super Rugby team plan and sponsorship and the construction of a stadium in Denarau as revealed by Ben Ryan in an overseas interview, FRU Chief Executive Officer John O’Connor says Ryan is not doing any such work for FRU.
O’Connor says FRU has its own plans for such a facility and this has been flagged with World Rugby and other interested parties.
He says that they have already had discussions with World Rugby and SANZAR on the possibility of inclusion into the Super Rugby Competition.
O’Connor says the FRU has been informed that there is a review approaching.
FRU has flagged Fiji’s interests with SANZAR but they do not know at this stage on whether this involves reviewing the current competition format or including an additional team.
Ben Ryan said in an interview on The Telegraph that 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 of backing.
It was reported 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.
Ben Ryan claims the move would be a "world game changer".
Ryan believes the impact of this plan would see Fiji win the World Cup one day.
He adds that Fiji has shown in sevens what they can do.
The plan has yet to be endorsed by Super Rugby but Ryan says he has outlined the proposal to World Rugby.
He says that no one has ever gone to Super Rugby and said ‘we would like a franchise in the islands’ and we have got more money than any other franchise in Super Rugby and we can guarantee that.
