Page 53 - Islands Business October 2023 edition

Sports Sports

abundance of raw rugby talent, exposure to disciplined Silver Lake is emerging as a significant global player in
competitions overseas has transformed these players into true rugby, having valued NZR’s assets at NZ$3.5 billion before its
professionals. involvement.
“And we are so grateful to the Australian government for Assessing the value of Fiji Rugby without substantial
assisting us and improving our performance on the field.” evidence presents a significant challenge.
Australia’s support has extended to capacity building, The FRU Income Statement as of December 2021 shows it
including training local referees and coaches sent on received an income of F$12.746 million and spent $12.501
attachments to Australia. million, leaving a surplus of $245,000.
Conway Beg, the former FRU Chairman, echoed the The following year, income increased by 68% to $21.356
observations about the impact of Australia’s support, citing million. Spending also increased by 82% to $22.711 million,
their crucial role in preparing the national men’s and women’s ending in a loss of $1.355 million.
7s teams for the Tokyo Olympics. However, this deficit could be much higher after the interim
However, Beg, a successful architect, envisions a different Board of Trustees appointed in May this year, found major
trajectory for Fiji rugby. discrepancies in the initial financial reports.
Despite the non-renewal of his contract in 2022 by the Board Chair, Peter Mazey told the media they were re-
then Bainimarama regime-controlled FRU Board, he remains examining the audited accounts after finding $3.5 million of
steadfast in his belief that Fiji rugby possesses sufficient debt.
branding power to finance and manage its own programs, Fiji rugby is obviously ready to rise to expectations. The
given the substantial presence of corporate entities in Fiji’s FRU must now ensure strong governance structures are in
economy. place if they wish to align their aspirations to join the ranks of
But first, he calls attention to the urgent need for rigorous Tier 1 nations.
in-house evaluations and selections at Rugby House. It is crucial that the benefits derived from rugby are
“There should be a thorough ‘audit fit for purpose’ because reinvested into making the structures that comprise the
the right leadership will play a pivotal role in driving the sport’s apparatus more robust, including branding, provincial
sustainability and success of Fiji rugby,” Beg told Islands rugby, school programs, and grassroots development.
Business. Fiji’s top-notch stadium facilities, potential investor
During his tenure, Beg recommended that the FRU board confidence, and marketing and sponsorships capacity all
explore a financial model akin to New Zealand Rugby’s (NZR) contribute to its standing as an untapped rugby powerhouse.
private equity partnership. Considering the achievements on the field, including
In June last year, NZR entered a partnership with the reaching two World Cup quarter finals (1987 and 2007),
American private equity firm Silver Lake, injecting an initial World Cup Sevens titles, and success in the Olympic Games
NZ$200 million to support various aspects of NZR’s operations, for sevens rugby, it is imperative that strategic discussions
including school programs, provincial rugby, and Maori rugby. continue to shape the future of Fiji rugby.

Healthy Eating

VEGFEST PASIFIKA COMES TO SAMOA

Continued from page 45 young kids who prepared nutritious chocolate truffles made
mainly from red beans and Samoan cacao.
avocado, rice, carrots, tomatoes, watercress, cucumber and Organisers hope VegFest Samoa will be even bigger next
a lovey tahini dressing is a local favourite. Another popular year, specifically by involving more partners and increasing
plant-based goodie is muesli bar, packed with nutritious nuts, the variety of events. Czapnik says they are keen to increase
dried fruit and local koko Samoa.” “availability of legumes in Samoa (lentils, chickpeas, beans)
She encourages other restaurants, cafes and resorts in for people who are keen to reduce the amount of meat in
Samoa to diversify their menus by adding more healthy plant- their diet. This will require cultural change - from consumers,
based options as this could also be a good business decision: supermarkets, restaurants and even decision makers - but
“Tourists these days are more health conscious and have an hopefully we can help get the trend started.”
educated palate. It makes business sense to cater for a wider VegFest Pasifika is looking to expand further. “We’ve
range of dietary requirements.” already had discussions with potential partners in New
VegFest led two diet education sessions at Vaiala Beach Caledonia for a festival there in 2024. Our aim is to get the
School and Vailima Primary School. Furthermore, the schools message out as much as we can in the region.”
received a donation of several copies of ‘We Love our
Veggies’, a Fijian-designed colouring, activity and recipe book Vittoria Pasca is a co-founder of VegFest and a qualified
to teach children about nutrition and local vegetables. nutritionist.
The programme also included a healthy cooking class for

Islands Business, October 2023 53