Fiji Rugby Union to review all Drua franchise agreements to remove confusion over governance
The Fiji Rugby Union (FRU) plans to revisit every agreement connected to the establishment of the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua franchise in order to eliminate misunderstandings about who is running rugby in Fiji. FRU board chairman John Sanday announced the move during the FRU Symposium in Suva.
The call for clarity came after Tailevu Rugby Union president Joe Rodan challenged the session with questions about whether the FRU or the Drua should be the ultimate decision-maker for rugby in Fiji. Rodan, a noted marketing expert, said the public had grown confused, in part due to a Drua Community Programme presentation on the Remote Communities Challenge held recently, which coincided with the launch of major national competitions such as the Vodafone Kaji Nationals, Deans Trophy, and Weet-Bix Raluve finals.
Rodan urged a clearer definition of roles so communication could run in parallel without mixed messaging. He wondered aloud whether the FRU owned a 49 percent stake in the franchise, and whether a joint venture for development and outreach could better serve the sport’s growth. Sevens legend Waisale Serevi also supported the idea of a collaborative approach, arguing for a formal pathway where FRU and Drua work together to develop talent and clarity for players choosing between the Drua and Fiji Rugby.
Sanday acknowledged Rodan’s question as a sensitive issue and said it would be taken seriously. He noted that there have been conflicting objectives in some areas and pointed out that the FRU owns a significant share in Counteruck, a situation that underscores the need for alignment. “All the governing agreements will have to be revisited and brought to better alignment,” Sanday said, adding that the FRU would work to ensure the Drua can continue to flourish.
This push for alignment sits alongside broader conversations within Fiji Rugby about governance, funding, and talent pathways. In related discussions at the Symposium, leaders emphasized the importance of stronger commercial systems and knowledge sharing between the Drua and the wider rugby community as a key ingredient for sustainable growth and eventual advancement toward Tier One status.
Commentary and value beyond the headline
– The move to revisit governance agreements could pave the way for a clearer, more unified strategy across FRU and the Drua, reducing confusion among players, clubs, and fans.
– Aligning roles may improve accountability, enable more effective talent development pathways, and help attract sponsorship and investment by presenting a coherent national rugby plan.
– The Drua’s willingness to share commercial experience and best practices could accelerate the development of revenue models and fan engagement across Fiji’s rugby ecosystem.
– If successful, the process could lead to enhanced stability in governance, better resource allocation, and a stronger pipeline from schools to professional rugby.
Summary
FRU chair John Sanday announced a comprehensive review of all agreements related to the Fijian Drua franchise to clarify governance, roles, and communications between FRU and Drua. The move follows concerns raised by Rodan and Serevi about who runs rugby in Fiji and highlights a broader push to align governance with commercial strength and talent development as Fiji eyes higher competition status.
Positive outlook
This clarifying initiative offers a constructive path forward for Fiji rugby, combining clearer governance with opportunities to broaden development pathways and leverage Drua’s commercial experience for the benefit of the wider rugby community. If pursued with transparency and broad stakeholder input, the reforms could strengthen Fiji’s rugby infrastructure, boost fan engagement, and support sustained growth toward a Tier One future.
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