Officials of Fiji’s champion rugby side Nadroga are currently meeting with the Fiji Rugby Union (FRU) and the Fiji Sports Council as they seek answers on how much return will be going back to the union and the players after they play in the Farebrother Sullivan Cup challenge.

Nadroga rugby spokesperson Tiko Matawalu confirmed that they have sent two proposals - one to the Fiji Sports Council and the other to the Fiji Rugby Union.

Matawalu said they want an increased share for the participating teams.

He also confirmed to Fijivillage that other teams have joined them in their proposal.

These are Suva, Northland, Lautoka and Nadi.  

Their main concern is why after the game, the Fiji Sports Council takes 25 percent of the total gate takings and whether this can be reduced.

The remaining 75 percent is given to the Fiji Rugby Union but this is then split up three ways. The holder gets 50 percent of the money given, 30 percent is given to the challenger and 20 percent to FRU.

This percentage cut has remained although there is no sponsor for the Farebrother this year.

When it was sponsored, Matawalu said the teams were getting $2,000 for preparation every week, $2,500 for winning a game and all teams were getting full playing kits.

This included jerseys, shorts and warm-up gear.

Now all of these things have to be done by the provincial rugby union.

Ovalau was the first challenger and pulled out due to financial difficulties.

The next challenger was Tailevu, and Nadroga Rugby decided to go to Nadi to play that match last week as playing at home at Lawaqa Park would have resulted in Fiji Sports Council taking 25 percent of the gate takings.

For the grounds owned by the town councils, the unions only have to pay the hire fee and there is no percentage cut.

The Fiji Sports Council said their rate is non-negotiable as they have to manage and maintain government property.

FRU chief executive officer Manasa Baravilala said he knows what is at stake here and he also understands that Fiji Sports Council is a business and they will do whatever is commercially viable for them.

Baravilala added it is difficult other than saying that FRU stop hosting games at Sports Council facilities.

Meanwhile, this week’s Farebrother Sullivan Cup challenge between Nadroga and Northland has been postponed due to weather conditions affecting the country.


Story by: Vijay Narayan & Akuila Cama