Jeremy Duxbury, the Strategy Planner for BA Rugby Union, is advocating for a transformative approach in the allocation of resources within the Fiji Rugby Union (FRU). As the FRU prepares for its Annual General Meeting, Duxbury underscores a significant disparity in funding, with a predominant focus on high-performance teams and national representation, leaving grassroots development critically under-resourced.
Duxbury’s analysis reveals a stark imbalance that he believes must be addressed to foster the future of rugby in Fiji. He points to a pressing concern: the lack of adequate facilities for rugby training. “Across Fiji, there is a dire shortage of rugby facilities such as grounds, gyms, and training equipment,” he remarked. This deficiency, according to Duxbury, places local players at a disadvantage compared to those in higher-tier teams like the Drua, affecting their fitness and endurance.
To remedy this issue, Duxbury calls for the FRU to prioritize the enhancement of infrastructure at the grassroots level. He stresses that providing essential training facilities is critical for coaches and players to optimize their performance. “There’s no point being a Level 3 coach if your players lack the basic training facilities,” he asserted.
Additionally, Duxbury urges the FRU to take a stronger stance with World Rugby, advocating for a budget that more accurately reflects Fiji’s developmental needs. He envisions a comprehensive and well-planned initiative that elevates rugby from the grassroots upward, ensuring that every rugby player in Fiji has, at the very least, fundamental training infrastructure.
Duxbury’s recommendations aim to encourage a more balanced support system within the FRU, fostering sustainable growth and nurturing local talent. His vision portrays a hopeful future for Fijian rugby, where equitable resource distribution could empower a new generation of players and coaches alike.
This call for change not only spotlights existing challenges but also emphasizes the potential for growth and improvement within Fiji’s rugby community. If implemented, Duxbury’s proposals could pave the way for a revitalization of the sport at every level, ultimately aiming to enhance Fiji’s performance on the global stage.
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