The Fiji Rugby Union (FRU) aims to implement a comprehensive business strategy to enhance the performance of the Flying Fijians and ultimately secure a Rugby World Cup title. In a recent interview with FijiNikua magazine, John Sanday, chairman of the Fiji Rakavi Football Union Limited (FRFUL), highlighted the necessity for a structured approach to resource management.
Despite the national XV team reaching the Rugby World Cup quarterfinals three times with limited resources, Sanday believes that the time has come for Fiji Rugby to evolve. He reminisced about his experience as part of the Flying Fijians during their inaugural quarterfinal appearance, emphasizing that success was driven by talent, fitness, determination, and passion for the nation.
Sanday laid out a vision that includes stabilizing the FRU’s finances, enhancing governance, and exploring diverse revenue streams. He stressed the importance of returning to fundamental corporate practices to foster growth and sustainability within the organization.
To facilitate these changes, he plans to form board sub-committees tasked with overseeing approved projects, alongside the establishment of a players’ association to represent the athletes’ interests. This association will enable player voices to influence decisions made by the FRU, with provisions allowing a member from this association to join the board.
Additionally, Sanday mentioned the need to assess the current staffing and structural setup of the FRU to ensure it meets the demands of contemporary rugby, allowing Fiji to elevate its status to that of a tier one rugby nation.
Such initiatives could potentially transform the landscape of Fiji Rugby, fostering an environment where the focus on financial stability and player representation can lead to enhanced performance on the global stage. The efforts to build an inclusive and robust framework within FRU offers hope for the future of Fiji Rugby, inspiring optimism for the forthcoming generations.
Through a combination of strategic planning and stakeholder engagement, the FRU is on a promising path towards achieving its ultimate dream of winning the Rugby World Cup, a goal that resonates deeply within the hearts of Fijians everywhere.
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