The Fiji Rugby Union has been readmitted to the World Rugby Council, as announced by Minister for Youth and Sports Jese Saukuru in a recent interview. He highlighted this development during discussions with Minister of Education Aseri Radrodro regarding Deans Rugby.
“We have received the good news of our reinstatement in the World Rugby board,” Saukuru mentioned, confirming that the announcement was made yesterday.
The FRU faced suspension from the World Rugby Council in May 2023 due to governance issues, including the illegal operation of the FRU Board, which resulted in the loss of voting rights. Following the suspension, a collaborative action plan was formulated with World Rugby, the Government of Fiji, and FASANOC to stabilize operations and secure Fiji’s future participation in major events while addressing broader governance issues.
On July 1, 2024, the FRU successfully passed its constitution and approved a new governance structure during a Special General Meeting at Novotel in Lami. This pivotal step taken by the interim board and all major unions aimed to restore Fiji’s standing within the World Rugby decision-making body.
FRU interim chair Peter Mazey noted a productive meeting with World Rugby officials in Paris, expressing anticipation for formal confirmation of their reinstatement.
The new governance framework designates the Fiji Rugby Football Union Charity Trust as the overseeing entity of its primary functions, which comprise commercial operations and overall administration. A new management entity, Fiji Rugby Union Pte Ltd, will be established to manage the constitution, the FRU board of directors, the chief executive, and Rugby House’s operations. Additionally, the FRU holds a 49 percent stake in Counter Ruck Pte Ltd, which operates the Fijian Drua franchise.
The next step for the FRU is to convene its annual general meeting.