The Fiji Rugby Union (FRU) has not submitted a formal funding request for school rugby in the upcoming national budget, but interim CEO Koli Sewabu reassures that efforts to develop school rugby are ongoing. Instead of relying solely on government funding, the FRU is actively engaging with sponsors to support rugby at the grassroots level.
Sewabu stated, “In terms of the upcoming budget… you’re talking about the government’s national budget? Yeah. No, I’m not aware of any of those,” indicating that while a formal request has not been made, discussions are targeting alternative funding sources. He emphasized that arrangements with partners have been secured to address the development needs for school rugby in Fiji.
This proactive stance aligns with the FRU’s commitment to ensuring that school rugby continues to thrive despite the lack of a direct budget request. Notably, there have been prior successful initiatives, such as the funding released for the Vodafone Deans and Weet-Bix Raluve competitions, which reflects the FRU’s broader strategy to elevate participation and competitive standards in youth rugby.
Earlier articles highlight ongoing reforms within Fiji’s rugby governance, illustrating a concerted effort to enhance transparency and accountability in school rugby competitions, which indicates a promising path for young athletes in the sport. As the FRU works alongside sponsors and community partners, there remains a hopeful outlook for the future of rugby in Fiji, promising structure and opportunity for young players.
In conclusion, while the absence of a formal budget request may raise some questions, the initiatives undertaken by the FRU showcase a commitment to nurturing the sport at the grassroots level, ensuring that future generations of rugby players have the support they need to succeed.
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