The Fiji Rugby Union (FRU) has been readmitted to the World Rugby Council, as confirmed by Minister for Youth and Sports Jese Saukuru in a recent interview. He noted that this was a key topic during discussions with Minister of Education Aseri Radrodro regarding Deans Rugby.
Saukuru expressed his satisfaction, stating, “The good news is that we have been reinstated in the board of World Rugby. I received the news yesterday that we have been reinstated.” The FRU had faced suspension from the World Rugby Council in May 2023 due to governance issues, losing its voting rights as a result.
In response to the suspension, World Rugby collaborated with the FRU, the Fijian government, and FASANOC to create a strategic plan aimed at ensuring immediate stability, continuity of programs, and safeguarding Fiji’s participation in major rugby events, while addressing broader governance matters in the long term.
On July 1, 2024, the FRU approved its constitution and a new organizational structure during a Special General Meeting in Lami. This significant move by the interim board of trustees and the major unions under Rugby House played a crucial role in restoring Fiji’s status within World Rugby.
FRU interim chair Peter Mazey remarked on a productive meeting with World Rugby in Paris and stated that they are now awaiting formal notification from the organization.
The newly established structure includes the Fiji Rugby Football Union Charity Trust as a regulatory body overseeing its two primary divisions: commercial operations and the operational side. Furthermore, a new management entity named Fiji Rugby Union Pte Ltd will be created to handle the constitution, board of directors, chief executive, and overall operations of Rugby House. Additionally, the FRU will maintain a 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.