The Fiji Rugby Union (FRU) is set to embark on a significant journey toward achieving its goal of securing a Rugby World Cup title. In a recent interview with FijiNikua magazine, Fiji Rakavi Football Union Limited chairman John Sanday emphasized the necessity for a robust business plan to support the Flying Fijians team.
Sanday, who has firsthand experience as part of the Flying Fijians squad that reached Fiji’s inaugural World Cup quarterfinal, noted that despite limited resources, Fiji’s national XV team has displayed remarkable talent by qualifying for three quarterfinals. He expressed a strong belief in the team’s potential, stating that their passion, fitness, and skill will be pivotal in the quest for World Cup glory.
“Our ultimate goal is to win the Rugby World Cup,” Sanday declared during the launch of the magazine’s December edition at the Grand Pacific Hotel in Suva. He underlined the need for the FRU to evolve beyond basic resource management to establish a sustainable business framework supporting this ambition.
To achieve this, Sanday highlighted the importance of stabilizing finances within the FRU, refining operations, and strengthening governance. He mentioned that sub-committees would be formed to oversee specific projects, with announcements to follow in early 2025. The intention is to bring in skilled individuals from outside the organization to enhance expertise.
In response to a query about the need for a players’ association, Sanday agreed that such an entity is crucial for representing player interests and improving outcomes within the FRU. Plans are in place to establish a Fiji Rugby Players Association, which will allow player voices to be heard at the board level.
Furthermore, the FRU board will undertake a review of its staff and organizational structure to ensure it keeps pace with global rugby trends and to assess whether current qualifications meet the demands required to elevate Fiji Rugby to tier one status.
In summary, the FRU is taking proactive measures to secure the future success of Fiji Rugby by establishing a comprehensive operational framework, fostering governance, and ensuring player representation. With a focused strategy and the right partnerships, the dream of winning a Rugby World Cup may inch closer to reality for the Flying Fijians.
This initiative reflects a hopeful commitment to developing rugby in Fiji, potentially inspiring the next generation of players and enhancing the national team’s competitive edge on the world stage.
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