BA’S redeveloped 4R Electric Govind Park was reported as the venue for this year’s Vodafone Deans Trophy final, but its availability remains uncertain due to scheduling conflicts with other sporting events.
In a cicular released on Tuesday, the FSSRU revealed that the finals will be held at Govind Park in Ba for the first time in the competition’s history.
However, on the same day, the FSSRU went on to say that football had booked the venue.
Speaking to the media, Ba Town Council special administrator chair Moshim Khan clarified that while the council is happy to host the prestigious school rugby final, there are existing bookings that need to be addressed.
“At the moment, there are a few league games booked by the Ba Football Association, and the Fiji Secondary Schools Football Association has also reserved Govind Park in Week 14 which is the same week the Deans final is planned.”
Khan said the council is open to accommodating the rugby final, the onus is on the two parties football and rugby to reach a mutual agreement.
“We’re happy to accommodate the Deans final, but the two parties need to sit down and sort it out. One of them will have to adjust their dates,” Khan said.
According to the current booking schedule, the football association has reserved the ground for three days during that week, while the Deans final would require the venue for just one day.
“The responsibility now lies with the rugby and football associations to communicate and come to a solution.”
The FSSRU was also considering taking the finals to Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka but nothing is confirmed at this stage.
This means the FSSRU is back at square one with no venue confirmed for the finals which is only three-weeks away.
Meanwhile, the quarter-finals of the Deans will be held next Saturday at Prince Charles Park in Nadi and Churchill Park in Lautoka.
