The recent structural change in the Fiji Rugby Union (FRU), which eliminates the Prime Minister’s nomination to the board, is stirring up some discontent. Minister for Youth and Sports Jese Saukuru expressed his unhappiness with the change, emphasizing that Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka should first comment on the matter.
The endorsement of the structural change took place during Saturday’s Special General Meeting at the Novotel Suva Lami Bay Convention Centre. FRU interim Trustees chairman Peter Mazey highlighted the importance of professional management in rugby operations, stating the need for top-tier individuals to lead both the management team and the board.
Mazey announced that the annual general meeting (AGM) would be convened in 45 days, during which the new board of directors and chairman would be elected. He noted that the new structure is union-oriented, allowing unions to nominate and vote for their preferred candidates in each position. This structure removes the government or Prime Minister’s nominee and a World Rugby appointment, focusing solely on union members’ votes.
According to Mazey, all union members unanimously agreed to the proposed structure, which also includes the elimination of the roles of patron and president within the FRU.