The Fiji Rugby Union has been readmitted to the World Rugby Council. Minister for Youth and Sports, Jese Saukuru, made this announcement during an interview, highlighting this development as a key topic discussed with Minister of Education Aseri Radrodro concerning Deans Rugby matters.
“The good news is that we have been reinstated in the board of World Rugby. I received the news yesterday (Thursday) that we have been reinstated,” said Saukuru.
The FRU faced suspension from the World Rugby Council in May 2023, losing its voting rights due to illegal operations and governance issues within the FRU Board. This led to a partnership between World Rugby, the FRU, the Fijian Government, and FASANOC to create a collaborative road map aimed at ensuring short-term stability, maintaining program continuity, and safeguarding future participation in major events while addressing broader governance concerns in the long run.
On July 1, 2024, the FRU successfully adopted its constitution and gained unanimous approval for its new organizational structure during a Special General Meeting at Novotel in Lami. This was a significant milestone for the interim board of trustees and all major unions under the Rugby House, paving the way for Fiji’s reinstatement in the high-level decision-making body of World Rugby.
FRU interim chair Peter Mazey mentioned, “We had a very favorable meeting with World Rugby in Paris, and we are awaiting the formal notice from World Rugby.”
Fiji Rugby’s new framework includes the Fiji Rugby Football Union Charity Trust overseeing its two primary branches: the commercial and operational segments. A new management company, Fiji Rugby Union Pte Ltd, is set to be established, comprising the constitution, the FRU board of directors, the chief executive, and the operations of Rugby House. Additionally, the FRU holds 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.