The challenges faced by club rugby in Fiji are significant, encompassing difficulties in securing compliant grounds, long travel distances for teams, transportation issues, and cash flow problems due to delayed income. These factors place considerable pressure on volunteer union officials striving to ensure games are played.
The costs of hosting matches seem to be increasing in 2024. The Ba Rugby Union (BRU) faces financial difficulties, especially since Ba lacks a ground where entry fees can be charged, leading to a constant outflow of cash.
“Like many unions, cash flow is a significant issue for us,” admitted BRU Secretary Gaby Kautoga. “Ba Rugby has been fortunate to have the support of some excellent sponsors, but our finances are challenged on a weekly basis.”
“During the Skipper Cup and Ranadi Cup, our weekly expenses for running the three teams amounted to $6,000 to $7,000. Now, to manage club rugby and support the 38 teams in the competition, we still need to spend up to $2,000 a week.”
“In the last round, we spent more than $500 on ground fees alone, and we usually have to prepare the grounds ourselves – paying for the steamroller, cutting the grass, marking lines, erecting posts, and even clearing broken glass,” Kautoga explained.
“None of the grounds we use have any shelter or power, so we have to hire tents and a generator for the PA system.”
“This is not a complaint, just a matter of fact.”
To cover the running costs of club rugby, Ba Rugby has been pursuing debtors, some of whom have outstanding payments dating back to last year.
“We have also been urging clubs to update their registration fees. While these fees won’t cover all our costs, they will help us manage until the knock-out stages when we can charge spectators.”
“We understand that some clubs struggle to raise the fee, even though it’s probably the cheapest in Fiji at $300.”
“Nevertheless, everything else is great,” Kautoga smiled.
Recent games in Nadarivatu in Savatu and Nasivikoso in Magodro provided the far-off clubs with much-needed support and enthusiasm.
“It’s something we’d like to do more often, but again, it comes down to finances.”
“The two games played at Nasivikoso were warmly received by the locals, and the Sasa players were even invited to stay overnight. This experience extended beyond rugby, fostering camaraderie, friendship, village connections, and new experiences.”
Meanwhile, the Police Rugby Team in Ba Town has initiated efforts to improve club relations while reducing crime.
Due to officers working on Saturdays, they requested late afternoon games. In Round 4, after narrowly losing to Nadelei from Savatu, the Police invited the Nadelei players back to the station for an after-match function and community awareness activities.
“At first, the players were hesitant, not knowing what to expect,” Kautoga chuckled. “However, the Police took their guests to the station for a friendly function and to discuss community awareness issues.”
“The Police Rugby Club now plans to do this after every match. It’s a fantastic model to reduce crime, and we thank them for recognizing the power of rugby as a communication tool.”
Today, at Vinod Patel Park, the Police team will face Ba Close Green & Gold in Pool C at 3:30 pm. Coach Semi Driso and his team are expected to perform their best.