The Fiji Rugby Union (FRU) held its 2025 Annual General Meeting on Saturday, bringing together member unions, trustees, and the executive team to review the past year, present the financial report for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2024, and strategize for the future.
In the financial overview, the FRU reported a modest net income of $105,962 (US$52,981), a significant decrease from the previous year’s profit of $1.07 million (US$535,000), primarily due to expenses incurred during the Rugby World Cup. The total gross income for 2024 reached $29.7 million (US$14.85 million), with corporate sponsorships, government support, and grants from World Rugby being the main contributors. Trustees confirmed that the organization remains viable, buoyed by long-term sponsorship agreements and continued assistance from the Fijian government and World Rugby.
Governance commitments were also addressed during the meeting, including a one-time waiver of the 7-day financial notice requirement to accommodate audit delays, as well as a commitment from all unions to meet compliance requirements by the next AGM.
Concerns were raised regarding the marketing and funding of the Skipper Cup and Farebrother Trophy competitions, which are vital for community engagement and revenue for the unions. In response, the FRU has stated that it is reviewing gate revenue retention and branding flexibility to support grassroots sustainability.
A significant highlight of the AGM was the appointment of Lailanie Burnes as the new Director of Rugby. A former captain of the Fijiana national team and a World Rugby coach educator, Burnes aims to cultivate a vision of inclusiveness and empowerment in rugby, focusing on the development of both men’s and women’s teams.
Furthermore, the trustees initiated the process for a professional valuation of the FRU’s brand to benchmark its global commercial value. Recognizing the importance of player release fees and agent oversight, the FRU outlined plans for a centralized Rugby Global Agency licensing structure in alignment with the country’s employment laws to enforce player release fees from overseas clubs effectively.
In a collective push toward reform and growth, the AGM emphasized the commitment to streamline operations, enhance financial transparency, and invest in domestic structures. With revenue growth and strong engagement from stakeholders, the FRU reaffirmed its mission to elevate Fijian rugby from grassroots to international prominence.
This meeting marks a new chapter for Fiji Rugby as it navigates challenges while striving towards a sustainable and prosperous future, bolstered by strategic leadership and community support.
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