The Fiji Rugby Union (FRU) is urged to develop a solid business strategy to enable the Flying Fijians to capture a Rugby World Cup title. This insight was shared by John Sanday, chairman of the Fiji Rakavi Football Union Limited (FRFUL), during an interview with FijiNikua magazine. FRFUL operates as a subsidiary of the Fiji Rugby Union.
Sanday highlighted that Fiji has demonstrated its Rugby prowess by qualifying for the Rugby World Cup quarterfinals three times, despite having limited resources. Reflecting on his experience as part of the team that reached Fiji’s first World Cup quarterfinal, Sanday noted that their success was driven by talent, determination, and passion for their country.
“Our ultimate goal is to win the Rugby World Cup,” he emphasized in the December issue of FijiNIKUA, which was launched at a ceremony in Suva. He stressed the need to transition from relying on minimal resources to establishing a robust financial foundation that supports their ambitions.
To support this vision, Sanday plans to stabilize the financial aspects of the FRU, evaluate its size, enhance governance, and create a framework for increasing revenue streams. He advocates for returning to fundamental corporate principles to ensure the organization’s sustainability.
Upcoming plans include forming board sub-committees tasked with overseeing specific approved projects, set to be announced in early 2025. Sanday expressed intentions to recruit individuals with expertise from outside the organization to enhance these committees. The initial focus will be on expanding revenue channels and capital projects.
Additionally, Sanday acknowledged the necessity of establishing a rugby players’ association. This association aims to represent the players’ interests to the FRU, fostering better communication and leading to improved outcomes for athletes. It is expected that a member from this new association will join the FRU board.
Lastly, he mentioned that a review of the FRU’s staff and organizational structure will be conducted to ensure their capabilities align with the evolving demands of global rugby, aiming to elevate Fiji Rugby to a tier one status.
This proactive approach signals a hopeful future for Fiji Rugby, laying down the groundwork for enhanced performance and success on the world stage. The commitment to player support, financial stability, and governance reform holds significant promise for elevating Fiji rugby in the international arena.
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