The Fiji Rugby Union (FRU) has successfully wrapped up its Annual General Meeting (AGM), officially handing over leadership and operational roles to a newly elected board. This transition marks a promising new era for Fiji rugby, moving forward after a significant period of restructuring and financial recovery led by the outgoing Trustees: Peter Mazey, Jenny Setto, Sikeli Tuinamuana, Alipate Naiorosui, and Mosese Naivalu.
During their influential tenure, the Trustees have driven substantial improvements. Key accomplishments include the introduction of a revised FRU Constitution aimed at ensuring transparency and better governance aligned with global standards. Furthermore, Fiji has gained representation on the World Rugby Council, enhancing its presence in international rugby discussions.
The FRU also underwent a major operational reform, establishing a new structure that includes a Chief Executive Officer reporting directly to the Board to increase accountability. Remarkably, the FRU celebrated a financial turnaround, posting a profit of FJD 1.6 million in 2023, a stark recovery from a loss of FJD 1.5 million in the previous year. Additionally, the organization successfully repaid a long-standing World Rugby loan of FJD 2.7 million, paving the way for sustainable growth.
The outgoing Trustees expressed gratitude for the collective efforts of FRU staff and stakeholders that contributed to these achievements. Peter Mazey highlighted the importance of addressing past challenges to build a brighter future for Fiji Rugby. He remained optimistic about the new board’s potential to continue this positive momentum, emphasizing the unmatched passion for rugby in Fiji.
The new board, featuring members such as Mosese Naivalu, John Sanday, Tevita Tuiloa, Cathy Wong, Koli Sewabu, and Conway Beg, is now tasked with steering Fiji Rugby toward further talent development and enhanced national team performance while expanding the sport’s reach both locally and internationally.
As the FRU embarks on this new journey, the commitment to building a legacy for future generations of Fijian rugby players and fans remains strong. The landscape is set for Fiji Rugby to flourish, with an emphasis on collaboration and innovation under the new leadership.
In summary, the FRU’s AGM symbolizes not just a change in governance but a reinforcement of the foundations necessary for long-term success in rugby. The focus on development, transparency, and engagement with the broader rugby community shows promise for Fiji’s rugby future, reinforcing the idea that with dedicated leadership, the sport will continue to thrive.
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