The Fiji Water Flying Fijians will not receive any bonuses for match victories during their upcoming November tour, as confirmed by Peter Mazey, chairman of the Fiji Rugby Union’s interim board. Mazey explained that the decision followed a request from a player through the players’ welfare association for bonus payments.
He stated, “We do not agree with it; the union supported this law, enough is enough. If they go into the Rugby World Cup or win consistently, we can consider those situations. We all have to live on what we earn, and we cannot afford to continue paying bonuses.”
Mazey noted that the Rugby World Cup campaign had cost the union around $11 million, with approximately one-third of that amount allocated to player earnings, reinforcing the financial constraints the union is operating under. He emphasized a broader commitment, stating, “I’d like to think that, like all of us, we play for the country, not for personal gain.”
Adding to this, FRU board member Jenny See-to highlighted that bonuses traditionally come from government funding and that the union itself lacks the financial resources to provide bonuses independently.
This situation underscores the challenges facing sports unions in managing finances while striving to maintain support for players. The focus on national pride over personal enrichment speaks to the spirit of competition and unity that the Flying Fijians aim to uphold as they prepare for their matches.
In a world where sports funding is often a challenging issue, this decision could serve as an opportunity for the players to emphasize their commitment to their country and the sport, rallying support for future initiatives that might help secure financial stability for bonuses in the long run.
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