FRU set to begin its 2022 Provincial Competitions

The stage is set for Fiji Rugby Union {FRU} to recommence its two most competitive and major tournaments, the Skipper Fiji Rugby Championship {the tournament also known as Skipper Provincial Cup} and the INKK Fiji Rugby Farebrother Challenge to kick off on Saturday the 19^th of March.

FRU Chief Executive John O’Connor said, we are excited and looking forward to kick off, especially after we were not able to complete the 2021 season due to the second wave of COVID-19 and the lockdown that followed from April.

He said “We are looking forward to a very exciting 2022 season and we would like to acknowledge the support of our valuable and longtime sponsors, CJ Patel and Skipper Tuna.

“We are so thankful to CJ Patel for their steadfast support since 2020 as they were one of the sponsors which remained committed in their support for Fiji Rugby maintaining their sponsorship even though they were also facing their own challenges due to COVID 19 and struggling financially.”

CJ Patel Group Marketing Manager, Ashwin Prasad said we are delighted on the recommencement of Skipper Provincial Cup. Unlike last year with a lot of uncertainties, we are pleased to partner with FRU to bring the excitement of rugby back in this season.

“Our passion for rugby has always been grassroot development as this is the nurturing ground for our future stars. Earlier this year we saw the launch of Fun Flavour Super 7s Series that reinforces our commitment to FRU and supporting grassroot Rugby in Fiji”

The Fiji Rugby CEO said they will continue the same format introduced in 2020, where the holder of the “INNK Farebrother Trophy” will also have to defend the Farebrother Trophy during all home games.

Naitasiri is the holder of the INKK Farebrother Sullivan Trophy and they will face Namosi in the first round of the Skipper Provincial Cup at the Naluwai Ground. Since Naitasiri is hosting Namosi, they will also be defending the INKK Farebrother Trophy

O’Connor added that the provincial teams have already started with their off-season training and are now playing trial matches against each other.

“The provincial teams are leaving no stones unturned in their preparation and are raring to go in the first round of the Skipper Cup since there has been no rugby at all for the last 10 months” said O’Connor.

He also highlighted that the Fiji Rugby Operation team will ensure compliance to the new COVID-19 guidelines at all the venues once the tournament kicks off in three weeks’ time.

Meanwhile, the Senior men’s winner in the 2022 Fiji Rugby Skipper Provincial Cup will be awarded $30,000 with the runner-up to be awarded $15,000.

The winner of the Under-19s competition will receive $5,000 and the runner-up prize money is $2,000.

Get ready to witness some mouthwatering battle in the first round of the Skipper Provincial Cup on the 19^th of March.

Naitasiri faces Namosi in the double header at Naluwai Ground.

Suva meets Nadi at ANZ Stadium.

Northland will play Rewa at Gatward Park in Korovou.

Nadroga battles it out against Tailevu at Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka. The kick-off times for the main matches are 3pm.

For more information on the competition visit our website www.fijirugby.com