The Fiji Rugby Union is still in the discussion phase of where to host the six tier one Test matches scheduled for next year.
FRU Board chairman John Sanday said a lot of work has been happening around this with talks on how to better monetise these matches for the hosting rugby union.
International test match shares and gate takings are two of the revenue generating streams of the FRU.
If the FIJI Water Flying Fijians play their ‘home’ game in the UK, the return in investment will be huge for the union.
“We are looking to negotiate with Wales, Scotland and England in September with the view to how we can better monetise and hosting that maybe in the UK.
“Those are the conversations we need to have because on that basis we are able to earn British pounds and showcase our product in a bigger market so we can generate ticket sales, so all that money comes back for us,” Sanday said.
Sanday said if the discussions reach a favourable outcome, the financial result will be major for Fiji Rugby
“We are looking at a very good financial outturn which is quite transformational for Fiji Rugby. We’ve never had this opportunity to earn millions of pounds anytime, so this is really good, and we hope to utilise all those money well and invest it well for the sake of the future of the game.”
Reports out of England indicate that discussions are ongoing for the Flying Fijians to play the Red Roses at Allianz Stadium in Twickenham.
Meanwhile, looking at the international Test match against Scotland, which was played at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva, the financial return of that Test match according to Sanday was about $430,000.
He said they are still finalising the numbers which will be released soon.
