World rugby says TBC did not have proper broadcasting facilities for an International live coverage

The lack of proper live production facilities was the main reason why the Tonga Broadcasting Commission and World Rugby did not broadcast the Fiji and Tonga Pacific Nations Cup game live in Fiji last Saturday.

The game was only shown live in Tonga.

When questioned by Fijivillage, World Rugby Media and Communications Consultant, Greg Thomas said that Tonga Broadcasting Commission does not have satellite or outside broadcast capacity nor the expertise for a broadcast production of international quality to be done in Tonga.

Thomas adds that Tonga Broadcasting Commission was granted the rights to broadcast the game only in Tonga.

He adds that due to the prohibitive cost of bringing in live production facilities, World Rugby captured the 2 matches in Tonga, and cut two 30 minutes highlights package.

Meanwhile the match between the Flying Fijians and Samoa will be live on television at 1pm tomorrow.