The Fiji Rugby Union has drawn up a budget of about $13million to participate in the Super Rugby Pacific tournament from next February.
While the Fijian Drua’s inclusion in the annual competition was welcomed with open arms, Rugby House said the proposed budget was enough to pitch the team against the big boys of Super Rugby.
Fijian Drua interim chief executive officer Brian Thorburn reveled this last week.
“We have been able to find ways of covering those costs,” Thorburn said.
“We have multiple revenue streams from government, Rugby Australia, Rugby New Zealand and World Rugby.”
The team will be based in Australia next year because of COVID-19 restrictions. This would add an additional $F2m, said Thorburn.
“We have committed sponsorships. We also have gate revenues in Australia that we will receive some rights for taking games in particular regions or states.
“We have significant financial covenants with NZ Rugby to make sure that this franchise is sustainable and not just for the first year.
“We are in the process of meeting those financial covenants, so we are comfortable with what we have landed. At this point we have enough money to make everything work over the next 24 months.”
Read More > $13m rugby: Fijian Drua budget in Super Rugby event
