Sevens

Sevens leg closer for Fiji

March 14, 2019 2:59 pm

Fiji Rugby Union Chair Francis Kean has confirmed they are in advanced discussions with NZR to alternate hosting of the existing January fixture on the World Rugby 7s Series.

Kean says that whilst it was disappointing for the bid to be unsuccessful, he appreciated World Rugby’s reasons.


FRU Chairman Commander Francis Kean [left] with Flying Fijians coach John McKee [Source: RNZ]

He says they still have a lot of work to get this over the line and their priority is to continue to work very hard to ensure they achieve full compliance for World Rugby and NZ Rugby compliance requirements in the next month.

Article continues after advertisement

Kean says Fijian fans will turn out in thousands to support their team, and they expect to attract large volumes of overseas rugby fans to experience Fiji’s hospitality and passion for Sevens rugby.

In March 2018, with extensive support from the Fiji Government, Fiji Rugby submitted a bid to World Rugby proposing the introduction of an 11th leg of the Series, to be played in October as a new Opening round.

World Rugby since announced, whilst Fiji’s bid was very attractive, the current ten tournament structure will remain in place for the next four years.

However, in a boost to keeping Fiji’s dreams of bringing the Sevens tournament to the islands alive, NZR has offered to alternate it’s hosting of the New Zealand 7’s with Fiji, with Kean advising that current discussions and negotiations are at an advanced stage.

Meanwhile, New Zealand Rugby Chief Rugby Officer, Nigel Cass confirmed reports that NZR were talking to World Rugby and Fiji Rugby about hosting the event in Fiji during the 2020-2023 cycle.


New Zealand Rugby Chief Rugby Officer, Nigel Cass [Source: Zimbio]