The new sponsors of the Fiji Rugby Union properties is led by Vodafone.
Reliable sources have confirmed to Fijivillage that the Fiji 7s team jerseys are being printed with the new sponsor’s logo in New Zealand and should be ready before the NZ 7s tournament kicks off on Friday.
FRU’s staff who have been using the phones given by the previous sponsors will also change over to the new sponsor’s phones this week.
Fijivillage has received confirmation that the group of companies and organizations who are the new sponsors are led by Vodafone.
The names of the prominent organizations will be revealed within the next few days.
The total amount in rugby sponsorships is understood to be 8 million dollars for the 5 year partnership.
The FRU is tightlipped on the new partnership.
FRU’s Deputy Chairman, Daniel Whippy has only said that the announcement will be made this week and it will be the biggest sports sponsorship ever for Fiji.
FRU board director responsible for sponsorships, Baljeet Singh said that the new partnership has been created with a consortium.
However Singh said full information regarding the sponsorship is on hold as the FRU has to get the all clear from its solicitors.
FRU Chairman Filimoni Waqabaca confirmed in a statement that after careful consideration, a lucrative five year sponsorship contract has been signed.
Waqabaca said given the importance of rugby as a unifying force in the nation, it is critical that they secure a sponsorship that will strengthen and develop the status of Fiji rugby further.
Meanwhile, Digicel’s case against the FRU will be heard in the High Court on Friday.
Digicel revealed last Friday that it has commenced legal proceedings against the Fiji Rugby Union to protect its contractual rights to the Fiji Rugby properties which it has sponsored since 2006.
Digicel’s contract expired late last year.
Story by: Vijay Narayan
