There were conditions provided by NZ Rugby, that the Fijian Drua should not be handled by the nation’s rugby union - AG

The Attorney General and Minister for Economy Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum has highlighted that there were conditions provided by the governing body of the Super Rugby Pacific competition, New Zealand Rugby, that the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua should not be handled by the rugby union but a separate entity.

While responding to FijiFirst MP, Joseph Nand’s question on the investment and support provided to Counter Ruck Pte Limited which owns and operates the Fijian Drua, Sayed-Khaiyum says the governing body wanted a different entity to run the Super Rugby franchise.

The Minister says they came up with a solution where they recognized its economic advantage in terms of the competition and how rugby is a very important part of our national psyche.

Sayed-Khaiyum says they have already disbursed $3 million and the other $3 million will be paid out by December this year.