Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has addressed the concerns raised by former Flying Fijians Captain Waisea Nayacalevu regarding corruption and mismanagement within the Fiji Rugby Union (FRU), highlighting the need for immediate action on underlying issues.
Rabuka acknowledged the ongoing administrative difficulties faced by the FRU, which were brought to light by Nayacalevu in a recent interview with the Daily Mail UK. He expressed his awareness of the ongoing maladministration within the organization, especially following a meeting where FRU decided that the government would not play a role in its operations.
He noted that the 26 member unions voted for a new structural change during a Special General Meeting held at Novotel Suva Lami Bay Convention Centre. This change will allow the unions to nominate and vote for their leaders without any influence from the government or World Rugby appointees, ensuring that the decision-making process stays within Fiji Rugby.
While acknowledging that it is the responsibility of the FRU to manage its affairs, Rabuka emphasized his commitment to supporting the Flying Fijians. He recalled a previous incident when the national team threatened to boycott their quarterfinal match in last year’s World Cup, stating that he instructed the interim administrator to allow the team to train and assured them that the government would provide necessary funding. He reiterated that the national team deserves unwavering support.