Flood Appeal Auction Raises $15,000 20 June, 2012 The Fiji Rugby union raised $15,000 for flood victims in the Western Division from an auction that was held last Saturday night after the Fiji vs Scotland Test Match at Novotel in Nadi.

Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama was the chief guest at the auction and he encouraged those that attended to bring out their wallets for a worthy cause. He also thanked the Scottish team for exposing the Flying Fijians to Tier One rugby.

“As a small island in the Pacific Ocean, it is easy for the world to pass us by with very little understanding of the events and tragedies that often befall us,” Bainimarama said.

"The floods of last March, particularly in the Western Division devastated communities big and small, rich and poor.”

“I know the Scottish team recently visited one village that was affected by the floods and brought with them from the lochs and glens of bonnie Scotland their own brand of joy to sunny Fiji through the donation of playing gear, thank you Scotland.”

The Prime Minister also told the Scots how powerful rugby is in Fiji.

“As you’ve no doubt experienced today there are fewer greater passions in this country than rugby. It is a sport that touches all communities and goes to the very heart of this nation. The power of rugby in this country has the ability, on any given weekend, to unite a country or devastate the hopes and dreams of a nation. It is a unique gift indeed”.

On auction were signed jerseys from last year’s Rugby World Cup, gifts courtesy of FRU sponsors and two bottles of Scotch Whiskey one specially named “The Famous Fijian” kindly donated by the Scottish Rugby Union.

The Prime Minister was seen to be enjoying himself, and he even bid and won the “Famous Fijian” Scotch whiskey. Players from both teams also took part in the bidding and won items, with Isake Katonibau walking away with a pair of shoes.

In thanking the Scotland Rugby Union for the opportunity to play against them, Fijian Captain Netani Talei also praised his team for playing a good game and putting up a good fight even though they lost in the end.

Nippy half back Nikola Matawalu was named player of the match by the Scotland team, for his instrumental role in the back line and given an award by Captain of the Scottish Team Ross Ford.

FRU acknowledges the following companies for providing prizes for the Charity Auction – Digicel, Tappoo, Punjas, Captain Cook Cruises, Vonu Beer, Pacific Coatings, Matamanoa Fiji, Dahia Shoes, United Apparel, Dulux Paints, Fiji Bitter, Air Pacific, and Beachcomber Island Resort.