Fiji Rugby benefits from RWC Legacy Programme

Fiji Sports

This scrum machine, being used here last year by the Flying Fijians during the RWC, and host of other RWC equipment was donated to the FRU via the RWC Legacy Programme.Rugby development in the Pacific is an important area the International Rugby Board pays much attention too.

The IRB through its Oceania Regional Office set up High Performance units in its Pacific member countries to improve the standard of play in their rugby teams, to support all national teams and to provide direction and management of international and domestic elite players in a training and competition environment.

Through their respective High Performance Units the unions receive funding, licensed training centers with gymnasiums and equipment, staff which include coaches, managers, trainers, sports science and specialized coaches.

The Fiji Rugby Union has had the benefits of running a HPU unit that has been beneficial to the players in terms of new gym equipment, and coaches which has improved the standard of play in Fiji making them more competitive on the international scene.

Earlier this year the FRU received training equipment that was distributed to participating unions of the Rugby World Cup through the RWC legacy programme.

The equipment included scrum machines, tackles bags, hit shields and contact suits amongst other items, and were of no cost to the unions including the transportation, which was fully funded by IRB and the tournament sponsors.

FRU CEO Manasa Baravilala says that the equipment received has been a great help to the national teams from the Under 20s, the Digicel Fiji 7s team and the Flying Fijians.

“I’d like to thank RNZ2011 and the Rugby World Cup Legacy Programme for such a thoughtful donation. This equipment will help in the overall development of the game here in Fiji and will assist our very best players enjoy the use of equipment of the highest calibre," Baravilala said.

"I am also hopeful it will help in developing and moulding a team of Fijian rugby players that will compete alongside the very best players in the world and win,”

This same equipment will be used by the Flying Fijians and the Scotland Rugby team before the test match on June 16 at Lautoka’s Churchill Park.