Infrastructure is a major determining factor when bidding to host a leg of the HSBC SVNS Series.

This is one of the many crucial requirements of World Rugby when a country vies to host a World SVNS Series tournament.

While many supported the idea that Fiji has potential, the Fiji Rugby Union knows that the country must first sort out its infrastructure.

“We’ve got to have infrastructure. To host a series leg, we need to have a stadium with 25,000 seating capacity,” FRU chief executive Rovereto Nayacalevu stated in an interview with this newspaper.

Other factors like proximity to essential services will also be considered.

“It must meet the other requirements of World Rugby in terms of proximity to hospitals and airports so infrastructure development is one of the areas that we will need to develop. So, we need to work with our stakeholders to be able to develop this and to host,” he added.

Stakeholders like the Fiji Sports Council plans an overhaul of the HFC Bank Stadium’s corporate box.

FSC chief executive officer, Gilbert Vakalalabure said they plan to expand the seating capacity of the national stadium from 15,000 to 25,000.

This project, he said, is slated to be completed in 2026.

If this is done, Fiji will be in a better position to bid for hosting honours.

“It’s part of the process. If they (FSC) are able to do it then we will have the capability to put our hands up and say that we are able to host and meet the minimum requirements, if they are willing to look this side of the globe in hosting a leg of the HSBC 7s series,” the FRU CEO stated.

International coaches and players including USA 7s mentor Mike Friday, South Africa’s Rosco Specman, former Ireland captain Harry McNulty and former USA 7s star Matai Leuta collectively agreed that Fiji has the potential to host a series leg.