November 6, 2015. Much delight is being experienced at the Fiji Sports Council following today’s Fiji 2016 Budget
Announcement in Suva.
The biggest ‘crowd pleaser’ for the Council being, the $2.3 million Government allocation which will be used to host Super Rugby’s Round 15 match between the Crusaders and the Chiefs onJuly 1, 2016 at the ANZ Stadium in Laucala Bay, Suva.
This will become the first Super Fifteens match ever played outside Australia, New Zealand or South Africa, with the exception of the match played at Twickenham after the exceptional situation of the Christchurch earthquake five years ago.
Fiji Sports Council Chief Executive Officer Litiana Loabuka is extremely delighted with the news.
“Hosting a world-class event such as this Super Rugby match has been a long time coming. A lot has been invested into the ANZ Stadium and as facility managers this will be a proud event to add to a fast-growing list of international sporting hosting rights in Laucala Bay.”
She adds, “we are also proud to have sponsors ANZ Bank continue to show their immense support and belief towards what the ANZ Stadium offers for sport in Fiji as an international standard approved venue. We are surely moving onwards and upwards.”
Attorney-General and Minister for Finance, Public Enterprises, Public Service and Communications says, “We are justifiably proud of the respect we have earned in World Rugby and of the way champion athletes like Vijay Singh have carried the the flag of Fiji throughout the world.”
He adds, “We can parlay Fiji’s love for sports and its reputation into huge economic opportunities and even greater national prestige.”
This is the first step towards bringing professional rugby to Fiji.
Assisting with bringing over the NZ Maoris to play at the ANZ Stadium in July, Fortess CEO and Founder
Matthew Davey says they can’t wait to engage with the Council in 2016.
“We are thrilled to be working with the Government of Fiji to help make this historic rugby match happen
for the people of Fiji. It is real credit to the vision and innovation of all of our partners in the Government
of Fiji, Fiji Sports Council, The Chiefs, The Crusaders, New Zealand Rugby, New Zealand Rugby Players’
Association, SANZAR and Sky TV in backing this event and showcasing Fiji with the best rugby
competition in the world.”
Even SANZAR Acting Chief Executive Officer Brendan Morris expressed his satisfaction with the new
move.
“In 2016, Super Rugby is being delivered to more countries and more fans than ever before. We are
delighted to partner with the Fijian Government and the Chiefs to deliver the first ever match to the
Pacific Islands.
We thank everyone that has worked hard behind the scenes to deliver this history-making
clash and we look forward to what will be an incredible occasion in Suva next July.”
This year the ANZ Stadium proudly hosted an increased number of major local and international
sporting events.
In February, rugby’s annual Fiji Bitter Marist 7s took centre stage as the platform tourney for
national 7s coach Ben Ryan to choose his side for the Hong Kong leg.
International rugby came in March through the World Rugby Pacific Challenge where the ANZ
Stadium hosted Canada, Argentina, Japan, Samoa, Tonga and Fiji.
In April, the prestigious Oceania Football Championship which featured country teams from the
Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Tahiti, New Caledonia, Papua New Guinea and Fiji graced our shores.
In June, local golden boy turned football pro, Roy Krishna featured for Fiji against top premier New Zealand side, Wellington Phoenix which toured as an international sporting launch promotion by Fiji Airways. (June 27)
July proved to be a huge month of rugby internationals at the ANZ Stadium with the Flying
Fijians taking on the Maori All Blacks (July 11) followed by the Pacific Nations Cup clash with
Tonga. (July 18)
In August, the Dean’s rugby quarter-finals and finals was played followed by the Sukuna Bowl Challenge and upcoming FMF Chow Games which will be held in two weeks time.
Much of these events have been pencilled in for 2016 as they continue to call the ANZ Stadium home – some newer events will include the Athletics Melanesian Championship.
With proven capability to host international events, this Super Rugby clash is no doubt another
milestone for the Council and Sports in Fiji.
Operational budgets submitted by the Council which were also approved today, will mean we
can expect more upgrades at FSC’s facilities.
For more information or queries, please contact Eleina McDonald (Acting Operations Manager)
– 331 277 extn. 102; 998 1110 OR email – eleina@fijisportscouncil.com.fj
PRESS RELEASE