Jeremy Duxbury, the Strategy Planner for BA Rugby Union, is advocating for a significant change in how the Fiji Rugby Union (FRU) allocates its resources, specifically highlighting the need for better support for grassroots development compared to high-performance teams ahead of the upcoming FRU Annual General Meeting.
Duxbury points out an alarming disparity in the FRU’s budget, which favors high-performance teams and national representation at the expense of grassroots development. He emphasizes that this allocation imbalance directly affects the future of rugby in Fiji.
A critical concern raised by Duxbury is the lack of proper rugby training facilities available throughout Fiji. He notes that this shortage of infrastructure, including playing grounds, gyms, and essential training equipment, contributes to the significant performance gap between local players in the Skipper Cup and those in the Drua team, particularly regarding fitness and endurance.
To bridge this gap, Duxbury insists that the FRU must prioritize the enhancement of grassroots infrastructure. He argues that without adequate training facilities, even highly qualified coaches cannot effectively develop players. Duxbury calls for a strategic approach that ensures all rugby players in Fiji have access to essential training resources, fostering their growth and development.
Moreover, he urges the FRU to advocate more assertively with World Rugby, pushing for a budget that aligns more closely with the real developmental needs of Fiji Rugby. He envisions a comprehensive and transparently costed long-term plan that uplifts rugby from the grassroots level and asserts that the FRU should communicate Fiji’s true needs in order to secure a more significant allocation for real development.
In a time where sports are becoming more competitive globally, Duxbury’s call for greater equity in resource distribution reflects a hopeful outlook for the future of rugby in Fiji, with the potential to elevate local talent and ensure the sustainability of the sport across all levels.
Summary: Jeremy Duxbury advocates for a shift in the Fiji Rugby Union’s budget allocation focusing on grassroots development over high-performance teams. He highlights the urgent need for better training facilities to bridge the gap in player performance and calls on the FRU to pursue a more equitable budget with World Rugby for true development needs.
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