Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has stated that the concerns raised by former Flying Fijians Captain Waisea Nayacalevu regarding corruption and mismanagement at Fiji Rugby Union (FRU) highlight deeper issues that require immediate attention.
Rabuka made these comments after becoming aware of the ongoing administrative problems within the FRU, particularly following Nayacalevu’s revelations in an interview with the Daily Mail UK.
He indicated that there has been ongoing maladministration within the FRU. At a recent meeting, when it was decided that the government would not participate in the management of the FRU, Rabuka acknowledged the organization’s autonomy.
During the Special General Meeting at Novotel Suva Lami Bay Convention Centre, the 26 member unions voted for a new structural change. This change stipulates that unions will nominate and vote for their representatives in each position, eliminating the roles of Government or Prime Minister nominees and World Rugby appointees.
While Rabuka affirmed that managing their own affairs is FRU’s responsibility, he emphasized that supporting the Flying Fijians remains a priority. He recalled a situation last year when the national team threatened to boycott a World Cup quarterfinal match, during which he instructed the then interim administrator to allow the team to train while the government would provide financial backing. Rabuka asserted that the national team deserves unequivocal support.