Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has acknowledged the concerns expressed by former Flying Fijians Captain Waisea Nayacalevu regarding issues of corruption and mismanagement within the Fiji Rugby Union (FRU). Rabuka stated that these concerns highlight significant underlying problems that require immediate attention.
During a statement made this afternoon, Rabuka noted he has been informed about the administrative difficulties currently facing the FRU, especially in light of Nayacalevu’s recent interview with the Daily Mail UK.
“When these issues came to my attention, I recognized that there has been ongoing maladministration within the Fiji Rugby Union. At their last meeting, when the FRU decided that the government would not interfere in its operations, I accepted their position, understanding that it is their organization to manage as they see fit,” Rabuka said.
He mentioned that the 26 member unions voted in favor of a new structural change during the Special General Meeting held at the Novotel Suva Lami Bay Convention Centre. This change will allow unions to nominate and vote for their representatives, eliminating government or prime ministerial nominees as well as appointments from World Rugby.
Rabuka emphasized that while the management of the FRU is their responsibility, his focus has always been on supporting the Flying Fijians. He recalled how he intervened when the team considered boycotting last year’s World Cup quarterfinal match, assuring the then interim administrator Simione Valenitabua that the government would provide funding to support the team. “Our national team deserves nothing less than our full backing,” he added.