22 Oct 2019

Aust and NZ govts called on to fund Pacific rugby

From , 6:00 am on 22 October 2019

An academic is calling for the governments of New Zealand and Australia to use their foreign aid programmes to fund Pacific rugby.

Fijian economist Wadan Narsey says the performances of Tonga, Samoa and Fiji at the World Cup were hindered by a lack of economic resources.

He is joining the call for a Pacific Islands team to be included in the Super Rugby competition, which he says would encourage players to remain in the Pacific.

Dr Narsey told Don Wiseman that funding Pacific rugby would have benefits beyond the playing field.

Fiji's Semi Kunatani is tackled in their 10-3 win over Samoa in the World Rugby Pacific Nations Cup 2019 at ANZ Stadium in Suva on 10 August.

Fiji's Semi Kunatani is tackled in their 10-3 win over Samoa in the World Rugby Pacific Nations Cup 2019 at ANZ Stadium in Suva on 10 August. Photo: Zoomfiji