The recent reorganisation of the Fiji Rugby Union Board, which removes the Prime Minister’s role in nominations, has stirred resistance. Youth and Sports Minister, Jese Saukuru, expressed displeasure at the changes, deferring comments to Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka.
The modifications were approved at a special general meeting held at Novotel Suva Lami Bay Convention Centre. According to the FRU’s Interim Trustees Chairman, Peter Mazey, the revamp is meant to ensure that rugby operations are conducted by exceptional individuals at all levels, including the board and management.
Mazey also indicated an annual general meeting will be held in 45 days, where the newly-reformed board of directors and chairman will be chosen. He stated that the new design is centred around union, with members having the power to nominate and vote for their preferred candidates. No government or Prime Minister’s nominee will also no longer be part of the structure.
In addition to these changes, there will no longer be an appointed patron and president for the FRU. Mazey concluded by stating that all union members had unanimously approved of these structural changes.