The Fiji Rugby Union (FRU) is urged to develop a robust business plan to enhance the prospects of the Flying Fijians achieving a Rugby World Cup victory. John Sanday, the chairman of Fiji Rakavi Football Union Limited (FRFUL), emphasized this in an interview with FijiNikua magazine. The FRFUL serves as the operational arm of the Fiji Rugby Union.
Sanday pointed out that despite limited resources, Fiji’s national XV side has successfully reached the quarterfinals of the Rugby World Cup three times, driven primarily by talent and dedication. He highlighted the essence of their success as being rooted in the talent, fitness, resilience, and love for their country.
“Our ultimate goal is to win the Rugby World Cup,” Sanday declared, during the launch of FijiNIKUA’s December edition at the Grand Pacific Hotel in Suva. He stressed the necessity of transitioning from makeshift resources to a solid business foundation that can support this goal.
Part of his strategy involves stabilizing FRU’s finances, right-sizing the organization, and strengthening governance, while simultaneously establishing an agenda aimed at increasing revenue streams. He underscored the importance of adopting a corporate perspective to better the organization’s financial standing.
To implement these initiatives, Sanday revealed plans to create board sub-committees tasked with managing specific approved projects, with announcements expected in early 2025. These sub-committees will include external experts to enrich the overall governance structure.
He also acknowledged the need for a players’ association within Fiji Rugby, which would represent player interests to the FRU, thereby enhancing player outcomes. Such an association is anticipated to include a board member to act as a bridge between players and the administration.
In addition, Sanday shared that the board would undertake a comprehensive review of the FRU staff and structure to ensure alignment with global rugby developments and to upgrade capabilities, with the aim of elevating Fiji Rugby to tier-one status.
The emphasis on financial stability and a structured approach indicates a positive outlook for Fiji Rugby, with hopes of achieving significant milestones in the future as they work towards their ultimate aim of a Rugby World Cup title. This proactive strategy may lay the groundwork for a more competitive and successful rugby program in Fiji.
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