The Fiji Water Flying Fijians have been informed that they will not receive bonuses for match victories during their upcoming November tour. This announcement comes from Peter Mazey, interim chairman of the Fiji Rugby Union (FRU), who addressed a request made by a player through the player’s welfare association regarding the potential for such bonuses.
Mazey stated that the FRU does not support this request, emphasizing the financial constraints faced by the union. “We do not agree with it; the union supported this law, enough is enough,” he remarked. He added that while the possibility of bonuses could be revisited if the team performs well in the Rugby World Cup, the current financial situation limits their ability to provide extra payments. The Rugby World Cup campaign reportedly cost the FRU around $11 million, with a significant portion allocated to player salaries.
Board member Jenny See-to further clarified that bonuses typically come from government support, as the union lacks sufficient funds to provide bonuses independently. She highlighted the importance of publicly funded bonuses, acknowledging the generosity of the government in this context.
This decision reflects the financial realities that many sports unions face, especially in high-stakes tournaments like the Rugby World Cup. While it’s disappointing for the players, it underlines the importance of focusing on collective team pride and performance over personal financial incentives.
In summary, though the Flying Fijians will not receive bonuses during their November tour, the leadership believes this tough stance is necessary for the longer-term sustainability of the union and encourages players to continue playing for their country. This perspective fosters a positive spirit of unity and dedication within the team as they prepare for their future challenges.
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