Fiji Hosts the ANZ Pacific Nations Cup

Posted: June 27, 2009 12:01:52 AM

By Una Murray — The International Rugby Board (IRB) last year announced a £48 million Strategic Investment Programme to fund rugby performance initiatives in 22 countries. The ANZ Pacific Nations Cup is an important component of this initiative and is designed to improve the performance of teams from the Pacific Islands, Japan, and other targeted Rugby Unions on the world stage. National teams from Fiji, Japan, Samoa, and Tonga, along with the 2006 and 2007 champions the Junior All Blacks, will participate.

On fijirugby.com, IRB Chairman Bernard Lapasset said, “The hosting of the majority of ANZ Pacific Nations Cup matches for the first time in a single country is a very exciting development for a tournament which is now a major event in the global Rugby calendar. Fiji has a rich Rugby heritage and a passion for the Game, and I am sure that the country will embrace their first major IRB international fifteen-a-side event and deliver a special and memorable tournament that will serve to boost the profile of Rugby across the region.”

The IRB arranged for the Japan Rugby Union to stay at the Outrigger on the Lagoon - Fiji from 13 June to 19 June. The entire team and their managers were very happy with their stay—especially with the gym facilities. They were also very impressed with the service they received and the Bula Spirit they were shown by all employees. The team will be returning on 30 June for a special luncheon before heading to Suva for their last game

The Japanese Rugby team is aiming to better their standing in last year’s Pacific Nation Cup. The team has been strengthened with the inclusion of seven players from New Zealand.

Fiji is going to receive tremendous worldwide publicity from hosting this great event. It is estimated that more than 80 million homes will tune in to watch the matches. This massive audience will span over 50 countries, including the United States, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, and countries throughout Asia, and the Pacific Islands. Not only will they see scintillating rugby, but also the warmth and passion of Fiji and its people — making Fiji tops on their “Must Visit” list.