Australia has committed FJD$35 million(US$17.5 million) towards sports development in Fiji, including support for rugby union, under the newly signed Vuvale Union Treaty, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese saying the investment recognises the unifying power of sport between the two nations.
In his remarks, Albanese said in recognition of the love of sports between the two countries they are investing to support the continuous operations of the Fijian Drua franchise.
“We chose to fortify our bonds in the interests upholding democracy, stability and sovereignty and ofcourse as its tradition we chose to celebrate the fact that we are two nations and two people that love our sports our partnership and our obsession with all things rugby spans decades and I am delighted to announce at this reunion and under Vuvale Australia will increase our investment in the formidable Fijian Drua.”
Since their inception, Fijian Drua were given $1.5 million(US$750,000) annually by World Rugby which ended last Tuesday and to maintain operations within the drua, the government announced support in the last budget for the franchise through the Ministry of Finance, including benefits for businesses that would sign sponsorship with the Drua.
The announcement comes at a timely moment for Fijian rugby, with the Fijian Drua Women preparing to host a home semi-final after finishing top of the regular season standings in the Super Rugby Women’s competition.
The Australian funding is expected to further support the growth of rugby and other sporting programmes in Fiji, complementing the country’s continued success on the regional and international stage.
