Fiji’s Sports Minister Viliame Naupoto has assured government’s support in Fiji Rugby Union’s bid to host one of the 2015/2016 HSBC Sevens World Series tournaments as well as host of the 2018 Sevens World Cup.
He said the ministry had also written to the International Rugby Board to assure the international rugby body that Fiji stands ready to host.
“We have made efforts to ensure the National Stadium is upgraded to a standard to ensure it can hold international tournaments,” Naupoto said.
“And government is fully supportive of FRU’s bid.”
He said to earn the rights to host either of the two tournaments would be a just reward for Fijians who regard sevens rugby highly. Fiji last hosted a leg of the IRB Sevens World Series in 2000 where the tournament would begin in Brisbane then move to Suva and Wellington.
A total of 25 unions have shown interest in hosting IRB Sevens World Series and 14 unions interested in hosting Rugby World Cup Sevens.
Unions that have expressed an interest to tender for IRB Sevens World Series 2015/16 include Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, England, Fiji, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, Kenya, Netherlands, New Zealand, Portugal, Russia, Scotland, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, Switzerland, United Arab Emirates, USA, Wales.
The list of Unions that have expressed an interest to tender for Rugby World Cup Sevens 2018 is: England, Fiji, France, Hong Kong, Netherlands, New Zealand, Portugal, Scotland, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, United Arab Emirates, USA, Wales. Expression of interest deadline closed on February 28.
The deadline for tender submissions for unions interested in hosting Rugby World Cup Sevens 2018 is December 5, 2014 with IRB Council selecting the winning bid at its May 2015 meeting.
The deadline for formal tender submissions for hosting a Sevens World Series tournament is set for June 27, 2014 and the 2015/16 Series hosts will be selected by IRB EXCO in October 2014.
SUVA, (FIJI LIVE)
