Laijipa Naulivou, newly appointed Rugby Director of the Fiji Rugby Union (FRU), has openly expressed her disapproval of lesbianism within the national women’s rugby teams. While recognizing that players have rights, Naulivou emphasizes the need for effective management of this sensitive issue. Drawing on her experiences as the captain of the inaugural Fiji women’s rugby team, she admitted her longstanding opposition to lesbianism in rugby, stating, “I always speak against it and I know I’m very unpopular in that area.”
Naulivou also highlighted previous tensions in the Fiji women’s sevens team, suggesting that allegations of lesbianism were partly to blame for their disappointing performance at the recent Paris Olympic Games. She recalls advocating for leadership changes in the team, emphasizing the importance of impartial selection processes rooted in merit rather than personal connections.
While Naulivou’s stance has raised eyebrows, she posits that the challenges of retention in women’s rugby, compounded by familial obligations after marriage and motherhood, are not unique to Fiji but are also observed in Europe. She maintains that while these issues are complex, they are manageable if they don’t disrupt team dynamics.
Looking forward, Naulivou sees her new role as an opportunity to shape women’s rugby positively. She believes that focus should be placed on building mental skills among players and ensuring they compete in more challenging environments. Her vision includes forming a proper selection panel, independent of personal biases, to foster an atmosphere based on discipline and fairness.
Naulivou’s appointment signals a pivotal moment for women’s rugby in Fiji, as she seeks to integrate structured management while respecting players’ rights. Through her insights and commitment, there is hope that the future of the Fijiana sevens team can see substantial improvement, ensuring that talent is nurtured and celebrated within a supportive playing environment. This reflects a broader aspiration within Fijian rugby to create a more inclusive and thriving landscape for all athletes.
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