The Vodafone led consortium of sponsors have confirmed that they have sponsored the Prime Minister, who is also the President of Fiji Rugby Union, to attend the Rugby World Cup in England. The decision was made after World Rugby announced it was not in a position to sponsor the Prime Minister as reported in the FBC news two weeks ago.
As reported in FBC, the Prime Minister had earlier turned down an offer by the FRU to cover the cost of his trip to the Rugby World Cup saying “more funds were needed to support the team to perform to the best of their ability at the world cup.”
However, the consortium of sponsors felt otherwise.
“As the head of Fiji Rugby Union in the country and as Prime Minister, Mr. Bainimarama has a done a lot for the development and good administration of the sport in the country and deserves to be at the Rugby World Cup”, said Mr. Ajith Kodagoda, the Chairman of Vodafone Fiji.
The Vodafone–led consortium of sponsors feel that Prime Minister Bainimarama’s presence as the number one fan of the Vodafone Flying Fijians and President of FRU will provide a psychological boost to the team before their opening match against England at Twickenham this weekend. The PM is expected to hand out the jerseys to the Fijian team and speak to the members before they run onto the field for their opening match.
“It is also confirmed that a local Fijian boy will place the official match ball in the center of the field for the opening match between Fiji and England. This would be a proud moment for Fiji and it is only appropriate that the Prime Minister of the country is represented on this momentous occasion”, said Mr. Ajith Kodagoda.
VODAFONE FIJI