FRU expected to pay land premium from profit

The Fiji Rugby Union (FRU) is set to cover the premium for its land in Saweni, Lautoka, using profits generated from a recent match in England. FRU Chair John Sanday confirmed that the England game generated a record number of spectators, ensuring no shortfall in gate takings.

Sanday anticipates that the profit and loss statement for the England match will show a substantial windfall gain. This profit is intended to fund the Saweni land premium, provide financial support to member unions for their season costs, and extinguish all outstanding inherited FRU debt. While Sanday had previously stated that numbers were still being reconciled after the Wales game, the figures for the England match have now been finalized, revealing a reasonable profit.

“

The Profit and Loss for this is expected to be a windfall gain, which FRU expects to pay for the premium of the Saweni land, share with its member unions to cover for their season costs and also extinguish all inherited FRU debt.

This financial success contrasts with the FRU's earlier public statements regarding the Wales match, where ticket sales were described as the weakest, necessitating various marketing efforts. The FRU board will publish a full set of financial accounts for the three home games played in Europe upon their return to Fiji, ensuring transparency regarding the financial gains.

Hosting three games in Europe was the most challenging project in the FRU's 120-year history. Despite disappointing on-field results for the Fiji Water Flying Fijians during this tour, the off-field financial outcomes have been overwhelmingly positive. The team is scheduled to play Scotland at 1:10 am on Sunday, with live coverage on FBC Sports.

“

The result on the field has been disappointing, but the off-field success has been huge.