The Fiji Rugby Union (FRU) has officially been reinstated to the World Rugby Council. Minister for Youth and Sports, Jese Saukuru, announced this positive development during an interview, indicating that it was among the topics discussed with Minister of Education Aseri Radrodro concerning Deans Rugby.
“This is great news; we have been reinstated in the board of World Rugby. I received confirmation of the reinstatement yesterday,” Saukuru said.
The FRU faced suspension from the World Rugby Council in May 2023, resulting in a loss of voting rights due to the discovery of illegal operations by the FRU Board, alongside other governance issues. Following this, World Rugby collaborated with the FRU, the Fijian government, and FASANOC to establish a roadmap aimed at ensuring short-term stability, maintaining ongoing programs, and safeguarding future participation in significant events, while addressing broader governance concerns in the long run.
On July 1, 2024, the FRU approved its constitution and a new structure during a Special General Meeting at Novotel in Lami. This development was a vital move by the interim board of trustees and all major unions under the Rugby House to facilitate Fiji’s return to World Rugby’s decision-making body.
FRU interim chair Peter Mazey commented, “We had a very productive meeting with World Rugby in Paris, and we are now awaiting the formal notice from them.”
Under the new structure, the Fiji Rugby Football Union Charity Trust will oversee two main divisions: a commercial side and an operational side. Additionally, a new management entity called Fiji Rugby Union Pte Ltd will be created to encompass the constitution, the FRU board of directors, the chief executive, and the operations of Rugby House. The other division will handle their 49 percent stake in Counter Ruck Pte Ltd, which owns the Fijian Drua franchise.
The next step for the FRU is to convene its annual general meeting.