Leah Manning

The Fiji Rugby Union has drawn up a budget of about $13million to participate in the Super Rugby Pacific tournament from next February. While the Fijian Drua’s inclusion in the annual competition was welcomed with open arms, Rugby House said the proposed budget was enough to pitch the team against the big boys of Super Rugby. Fijian Drua interim chief executive officer Brian Thorburn reveled this last week. “We have been able to find ways of covering those costs,” Thorburn said. “We have multiple revenue streams from government, Rugby Australia, Rugby New Zealand and World Rugby.” The team will be based in Australia next year because of COVID-19 restrictions. This would add an additional $F2m, said Thorburn. “We have committed sponsorships. We also have gate revenues in Australia that we will receive some rights for taking games in particular regions or states. “We have significant financial covenants with NZ Rugby to make sure that this franchise is sustainable and not just for...

Brodie Retallick has been named All Blacks commander for their Rugby Championship test against Argentina in Brisbane on Sunday. Retallick will turn into the 71st All Blacks test commander, supplanting Ardie Savea who has been forgotten about in the wake of bombing HIA tests against the Wallabies in Perth last Sunday. Retallick will captain the side from lock, turning into the fourth captain the All Blacks have utilized for this present year. “Brodie is an incredible forerunner in this group and we don’t underestimate his authority,” All Blacks mentor Ian Foster said in an assertion. “We think this is a great honour for him, and he and his family can be hugely proud. He’s playing really well and leads from the front. He has come back into the black jersey this year and just picked up where he left off. “He also has an experienced partner in Beaudy (Barrett) alongside him who is bringing a calmness to the team and a sense of direction and we’re seeing that in the way he plays.” In ...