WITH the aim of taking Fiji Rugby into the modern era, the Fiji Rugby Union plans to establish a high-performance facility at the old Fulton College in Nakalawaca, Tailevu.
The FRU had showed interest in leasing the land last year and according to board chairman John Sanday, “we have reached an agreement with the Trans-Pacific Union of the 7th Day Adventist Church”.
The FRU continues to carry out its due diligence on the land’s legal status as well as considering its full economic potential.
“I have also met with the landowners and have received their provisional acceptance to become partners with Fiji Rugby Union,” he said.
Once the study demonstrates economic viability, the decision will then rest on the FRU Board of Trustees for approval.
“It is 100acres and fits in with a dedicated high-performance facility for developing all our players from school stage to drill them in elite sportsmanship and character development.
“Most importantly though, to provide skills training for life after rugby,” he said.
The study will be carried out by Australia-based Satish Chand who is a Professor of Finance in the School of Business at the University of New South Wales as well as Dr Glenn Finau who is at the Tasmanian School of Business and Economics at the University of Tasmania.
With that, the FRU is also simultaneously working on the land in Lauwaki Village, Saweni in Lautoka as well as the 22acre land in Labasa.
“In all these three projects we are proposing an equity portion for the landowning unit along with spin-off contracts
“I was at TLTB Lautoka last Friday. I will be handing in our completed lease application form early next week with the requisite fees and that will commence the process. The submission will be for both the Old Fulton College and the land at Lauwaki Village, Saweni.”
Sanday said the 22acre land in Labasa is still being worked on and in its early stage.
