The Fiji Airways airline has signed a wide-ranging sponsorship deal with the Fiji Rugby Union.
The deal grants Fiji Airways naming rights to the country’s men’s and women’s 15s and sevens teams, as well as Fijian Drua, which competes in Australia’s National Rugby Championship.
The deal also covers Fiji-based referees, whose apparel will feature the branding of Fiji Link, the country’s domestic carrier. The agreement will run for five years.
The FRU did not disclose financial terms of the agreement but said the deal is “likely to be one of the biggest sports sponsorships not only in Fiji but in the South Pacific.”
FRU president Voreqe Bainimarama said: “The benefits of this partnership flow both ways. The Fiji Rugby Union will gain not only from flights and financial support under this deal – they will also be aided by the significant marketing clout that comes from pairing with a global brand like Fiji Airways.
“And in return, the marketing message of Fiji Airways will get a big boost by a strengthened bond to our national rugby teams. And with our ruggers as the public face of the brand, Fiji Airways will truly be represented to the rest of the world by the very best of Fiji.”
Telecommunications company Vodafone had served as the FRU’s main sponsor and is set to continue its backing in a lesser capacity, with details of this agreement to be announced at a later date.