Venkat Raman
Fiji is gearing itself to not only participate in the Rugby World Cup to be held in Japan later this year, but also use the global o promote tourism and commercial prospects.
Rugby World Cup 2019 will kick off at the Tokyo Stadium in Tokyo on Friday, September 20, 2019 and conclude on November 2, 2019 at the Yokohama Stadium in Kanagawa, which is a part of Greater Tokyo.
Forty-eight matches will be played, forty of them in Pool stages, followed by Quarterfinals, Semi-finals, Bronze Finals and Final. Tickets are already on sale.
Fiji’s Ambassador to Japan Isikeli Mataitoga said that his office is working with Tourism Fiji, Fiji Airways, Tour Agents and Operators, Campaign strategies to capitalise on its sports diplomacy and also prepare for the 2020 Olympics and Para-Olympics to be held in Japan from July 14, 2010 to August 9, 2020.
MoU for training facilities
“The Fiji Rugby Union (FRU) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with several institutions for pre-camping training and other activities. Akita will host the Flying Fijians Rugby 15 Team for a Pre-Tournament camp from September 7 to September 12, 2019. Later, the Team will move to Abashiri city, Hokkaido. The MoU covers training facilities, transport, and other necessities for the Fiji National Rugby Team,” Mr Mataitoga said.
Fijian Rugby 7 Team
Oita City in the Oita Prefecture has offered to host the Fijian Rugby 7s Team and officials for Pre-Tournament training for the Kitakyushu Women’s’ HSBC Rugby World Tournament, which is scheduled to be held from April 2019 in Kitakyushu, Fukuoka.
Ongoing Collaboration
Mr Mataitoga said that Fiji’s ongoing collaboration with the Saga, Oita and Akita Prefectures will also enhance the opportunities for Fiji’s sports training and technical human resource development.
“Akita City invited 34 officials and players of the Nasinu Secondary School Rugby Team and officials to visit Akita City in 2018, with all cost paid,” he said.
Logo Source: RWC 2019 Website
