The Fiji Rakavi Football Union Ltd (FRFU) held a pivotal General Assembly in Nadi, bringing together representatives from 29 member unions to set a strategic direction for rugby in Fiji. The four-hour meeting, chaired by newly elected Board Chairman John Sanday and the seven-member Board of Directors, focused on enhancing governance, prioritizing player welfare, and promoting grassroots development.
Delegates from each union were encouraged to voice their concerns and ideas, reflecting a commitment to collaborative leadership in addressing the challenges faced by Fijian rugby. The assembly underscored the importance of governance improvements, with plans to implement stricter compliance measures for operational member unions and the introduction of an online player registration system to ensure better transparency and tracking.
The meeting also emphasized the welfare of players, highlighting the need for improved insurance and safety measures across all competition levels. A strong commitment to advancing women’s rugby was recognized, including the development of pathways from grassroots to elite levels, in preparation for the Women’s Rugby World Cup.
In efforts to enhance competition structures, the FRU plans to realign the 2025 rugby calendar to better align with international schedules while supporting domestic events like the Skipper Cup and Marama Cup. A notable proposal emerged regarding the launch of a semi-professional competition for women’s rugby, modeled after the Colonial Cup, set to debut in 2026.
Financial discussions centered on leveraging land assets for rugby infrastructure development and renewing efforts to attract sponsors, particularly for women’s competitions. The union plans to creatively integrate initiatives like sports tourism and climate change partnerships into its programs to secure funding and strengthen connections among schools, provincial unions, and elite teams.
Chairman Sanday expressed the board’s dedication to transforming the assembly’s discussions into actionable strategies. He hailed the meeting as a significant advancement for Fiji Rugby, showcasing the passion and dedication of the unions. Sanday concluded with an optimistic vision for a sustainable future for rugby in Fiji, a sport that remains a unifying force for the nation.
This Assembly marks a hopeful step towards revitalizing rugby in Fiji, emphasizing collaboration and inclusivity in both men’s and women’s games, and fostering a culture of support that will benefit players at every level.
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