Jeremy Duxbury, a Strategy Planner for BA Rugby Union, is advocating for a significant reallocation of resources within the Fiji Rugby Union (FRU) as it approaches its Annual General Meeting. Duxbury argues that there is a troubling disparity in funding between high-performance teams and grassroots development, with the majority of the budget favoring national representation while essential grassroots initiatives remain underfunded.
Duxbury points out a critical issue: the insufficient availability of rugby facilities across Fiji. He emphasizes the lack of essential training resources, such as quality playing grounds, gyms, and specific training equipment, which he believes hampers the fitness and endurance of players in local tournaments compared to those playing at higher levels.
To rectify this imbalance, Duxbury calls for the FRU to prioritize the enhancement of infrastructure at the grassroots level. He stresses that without adequate training facilities, even highly qualified coaches struggle to maximize the potential of their players.
Furthermore, Duxbury encourages the FRU to advocate more strongly with World Rugby, suggesting that the union should push for a greater share of funding directed towards genuine development efforts. He envisions a comprehensive, long-term strategy that would ensure that all rugby players in Fiji have access to fundamental training resources.
By standing up to the global governing body and clearly articulating the needs of Fiji Rugby, Duxbury believes that the sport can flourish from the ground up, ultimately strengthening national teams in the long term.
In summary, this call for action highlights the importance of balanced investment in rugby development across all tiers, which would not only enhance local talent but also contribute to the sport’s future success in Fiji. The hope is that by addressing these foundational issues, Fiji Rugby can grow stronger, ensuring better opportunities for athletes of all levels.
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