The Fiji Rugby Union has removed senior operations officer Tiko Matawalu as part of a sweeping organisational restructure designed to align the union with a new strategic vision, chief executive Koli Sewabu confirmed on Thursday. Sewabu described the changes as a “fit-for-purpose” overhaul that has dismantled some traditional roles within the FRU and will affect multiple staff members.
Sewabu stopped short of calling Matawalu’s exit a personal redundancy but said the traditional senior operations role no longer fits the direction the union is taking. “We are trying to build what we call a fit-for-purpose organisation,” he told reporters. “When you go through a restructure, there are some positions that are no longer required, based on the vision we are going into.” He added: “A number of staff will be affected by that, not only one person.”
The CEO said the changes are not merely about eliminating posts but fundamentally reshaping them. “It’s not just one position, that position has been expanded and it has got a number of portfolios and skill sets needed for the new direction we are heading into,” Sewabu said, signalling a move toward multi-disciplinary roles that combine operational, strategic and international-facing responsibilities.
The removal of Matawalu, a familiar figure in FRU operations, marks a notable shift in internal power dynamics at the union and comes at a time when the FRU has been expanding its international footprint and development programmes. In recent months the union has been involved in initiatives such as the launch of an FRPA Europe branch to support Fijian players abroad, a memorandum of understanding with the China Rugby Association that opens education and playing pathways, and renewed investment in women’s rugby ahead of the next World Cup cycle. Sewabu framed the restructure as necessary to better coordinate that growing slate of partnerships and high-performance commitments.
Details about the full scope of the restructure, the number of roles affected, and timelines for implementing the new staffing model were not provided. Sewabu indicated more positions will be transformed to encompass broader portfolios and different skill sets, but did not release a definitive organisational chart or outline any transition arrangements for affected staff.
Matawalu’s future role with the union has not been disclosed, and the FRU has yet to issue a comprehensive statement listing all changes or naming new appointments. The chief executive said the union is proceeding with the restructure to position itself for its stated strategic goals, and additional announcements are expected as the new structure is finalised.
This is the latest development in an evolving period for Fiji rugby administration as the FRU balances international partnerships, player welfare measures and performance objectives. Further reporting will follow as the union provides more detail on who else has been affected and how the redesigned roles will be staffed.
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