Jeremy Duxbury, the Strategy Planner for BA Rugby Union, is urging the Fiji Rugby Union (FRU) to reevaluate its allocation of resources, especially concerning the balance between high-performance initiatives and grassroots development. As the FRU prepares for its Annual General Meeting, Duxbury points out a troubling disparity in the organization’s budget, which largely favors high-performance teams and national representation at the expense of fundamental development efforts.
Duxbury emphasizes that this imbalance manifests in the lack of adequate rugby facilities throughout Fiji. He states, “Across Fiji, there is a dire shortage of rugby facilities like grounds, gyms, scrum machines, sleds, etc. No wonder the Skipper Cup players are way below the Drua players in terms of fitness and endurance.” He argues that these inadequate facilities are hindering the growth of local talent, leaving players without the means to compete effectively.
To address these challenges, Duxbury calls for the FRU to enhance infrastructure at the grassroots level, ensuring that players have at least the basic training facilities. He remarks, “There’s no point being a Level 3 coach if your players lack the basic training facilities,” highlighting the critical need for proper resources to empower both coaches and players.
Duxbury also encourages the FRU to advocate more vigorously with World Rugby for increased funding, emphasizing the importance of a more substantial budget for genuine development activities. “I’d like to see the FRU come up with a comprehensive and fully costed long-term plan to lift the game from grassroots level,” he stated, stressing that all rugby players in Fiji should have access to adequate training facilities.
In conclusion, Duxbury asserts that the FRU must assertively communicate its needs to World Rugby, challenging any patronizing tendencies and demanding a more significant portion of their budget for authentic developmental support.
This call for a balanced approach to rugby development is a hopeful step towards creating more equitable opportunities for aspiring players across Fiji, ultimately fostering a stronger rugby culture in the country. Investing in grassroots development may lead to a more robust pipeline of talent for the national teams, contributing to Fiji’s reputation as a rugby powerhouse.
Leave a comment