The Fiji Rugby Union (FRU) recently held its Annual General Meeting (AGM), during which it officially transitioned governance and operational responsibilities to a newly elected board. The previous Trustees—Peter Mazey, Jenny Setto, Sikeli Tuinamuana, Alipate Naiorosui, and Mosese Naivalu—successfully led the FRU through significant restructuring and financial recovery, paving the way for a promising new chapter in Fijian rugby.
Under their leadership, several noteworthy initiatives were achieved, including the implementation of a modernized FRU Constitution that enhances transparency and governance. A landmark advancement for Fiji Rugby was securing a seat on the World Rugby Council, which grants the nation a vital voice in international rugby affairs. The Trustees also rolled out a comprehensive operational overhaul and appointed a Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to ensure effective strategy execution.
In 2023, the FRU celebrated a financial turnaround, posting a profit of FJD 1.6 million after facing a loss of FJD 1.5 million the previous year. They also successfully cleared significant debts, including a World Rugby loan repayment of FJD 2.7 million, which solidifies the organization’s long-term stability.
Expressing their pride in these achievements, the outgoing Trustees acknowledged the contributions of FRU staff, members, and partners, expressing confidence that Fiji Rugby has a solid foundation for continued development. “To achieve our goals, we had to address past issues to move toward a brighter future,” said Mazey, indicating the collaborative efforts made by various stakeholders.
The newly elected board will direct the future of Fiji Rugby, focusing on talent development, national team performance, and the sport’s growth both domestically and internationally. New board member appointments include Mosese Naivalu as Legal Director, John Sanday and Tevita Tuiloa as Commercial Directors, Cathy Wong as Women’s Director, and Koli Sewabu and Conway Beg as Rugby Directors.
As the FRU turns a new page, the commitment of the Trustees, staff, and members to create a legacy for future generations of Fijian rugby enthusiasts is evident.
This transition represents not just a change in leadership but a renewal of hope for the future of rugby in Fiji, fostering an environment where the sport can continue to flourish.
Summary: The Fiji Rugby Union successfully held its AGM, transitioning leadership to a newly elected board after a period of significant restructuring and financial improvements. The outgoing Trustees highlighted key achievements, including a new constitution, a World Rugby Council seat, and financial turnaround, setting a promising foundation for the future of Fiji rugby. The new board aims to build upon these successes and drive the sport’s growth on national and international stages.
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