THE Fiji National Sports Commission has approved Fiji Rugby Union’s application to assist with Ben Ryan’s salary.
FRU acting chief executive officer Doctor Berlin Kafoa said the council approved the budget for Ryan’s salary following a successful meeting yesterday.
The budget, which is believed to be about $300,000 per year, will cover Ryan’s salary and other perks.
Council chairman Peter Mazey also confirmed the approval, adding FRU will have to come back to them with more information before they finalise the grant.
“We will be assisting with Ben’s salary. That (FRU’s application) has been approved, we just have to get the full board approval and the grants committee approval,” Mazey said.
Mazey said the grant amount was yet to be finalised but added the “average amount that we will be paying for each coach annually, including their motor vehicles and housing and everything, will be approximately $240,000”.
Fiji Netball, the Fiji Volleyball Federation, the Boxing Commission of Fiji and Fiji Table Tennis Association are the other sporting federations that have applied for the coaching grant.
This grant is part of government’s $2million allocation for the “Engagement of Overseas Coaches Program” in the 2014 National Budget.
Meanwhile, Ryan confirmed he signed his three-year contract which started on January 2 this year.
He is hoping to get his first salary in the next FRU pay day.
