BLK to kit out grassroots rugby
Fiji owned and operated sportswear manufacturer BLK has reignited their relationship with Fiji Rugby becoming the official domestic apparel supplier for the Union.
The Lautoka based company have signed a six-figure three year partnership where they will supply playing kits for the Skipper Cup, Vodafone Vanua Championship, Fijian Latui and Vodafone Kaji and Deans Cup finals series.
Fiji Rugby CEO Mr John O’Connor said the Union was grateful for BLK’s commitment to supporting grassroots rugby in such a significant way.
“We’ve enjoyed a relationship with BLK for many years, they have always produced top quality apparel and to have them as the official supplier for our domestic rugby is fantastic” he said.
“Fiji Rugby made a commitment to make sure the game is accessible for all Fijians and it’s companies like BLK who are allowing us to keep that commitment by relieving the financial burden that uniform supply can bring.”
BLK Fiji General Manager Josefa Matau said “BLK is delighted and proud to be associated with FRU again and I want to thank CEO and the team for giving us this opportunity. We recognize the efforts in the development of the sport and the pathways that has been created for rugby players and we want to be part of that journey.
BLK and FRU enjoyed 12 years together which saw the growth of both brands into World Class entities. BLK, along with all of Fiji, was devastated by Cyclone Winston an event which took us to brink of survival.
We understood that the FRU needed to secure its future during this uncertainty and BLK took the time to consolidate its position globally.
We have spent the past 3 years innovating, building world class products and systems and taking the lessons learnt from this event to ensure it never happens again. It is only appropriate that our rebirth and relaunch of the brand happens here in Fiji and with the national that hits at the heart of BLK.
We look forward to what the future holds for both brands going into an Olympic year where we hope the FRU can once again go Beyond Limits Known.”
BLK supplied the Swire Shipping Fijian Latui kits for the Global Rapid Rugby Pacific Showcase with players, management and fans raving about the range which O’Connor said was produced in miraculous time.
“Having a locally owned and operated partner is a great benefit to Fiji Rugby as BLK are able to cater for the particular style and preferences of our teams as well as turnover range in short time frames, particularly with competitions such as Deans, where the finalists aren’t decided untill the last minute.”
Mr O’Connor further acknowledged that whilst some stakeholders of rugby who fall under the new BLK supply arrangement may have existing apparel agreements, the provincial Unions will be given a grace period to see out those contracts before switching over to BLK.
“We’re grateful for the Unions who have secured their own merchandise partners over the years, so with respect to those existing deals we wont be enforcing an immediate switch over, but rather when renewal time comes, then BLK will step in” he said.