THE main factor hindering Fiji’s prospects of hosting a leg of the HSBC SVNS World Series are its sporting facilities, says World Rugby chief executive Alan Gilpin.
He made the comment when asked by The Fiji Times at a World Rugby media briefing on the sidelines of the Hong Kong 7s at Kai Tak Stadium on Sunday.
“We’ve looked at Fiji hosting before and we always continue to do that. Obviously (a) great relationship with the Fiji Rugby Union (FRU), the challenge is always facilities,” Gilpin said.
He then used the example of Kai Tak Stadium and how it provided a multi-faceted experience for fans and spectators.
“I mean again, we’re sitting here in an incredible stadium you know, we’re providing a fantastic experience for the fans.”
Gilpin added World Rugby had engaged in discussions with the Government and FRU on how sporting facilities in Fiji could be enhanced or developed to increase Fiji’s chances of hosting a leg.
“And the conversations, obviously, we’ve had with the Fijian union (FRU), the Fijian Government is; can we develop some facilities that would allow us to take the best 7s tournaments in the world there,” he said.
He referred to the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua’s home games in the Super Rugby Pacific competition as an example of how Fiji was eventually preparing itself for the possibility of hosting a leg in the series.
“But you know what Fiji is doing, hosting with the Drua for example, is creating I think that narrative and that opportunity,” he said.
