Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka stated that any allegations regarding the misuse of funds involving rugby players should be addressed during the Fiji Rugby Union’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) and reported for investigation.
Rabuka made these remarks in response to a live interview hosted by Facebook influencer Lesi Vanuavou, in which senior players Lepani Botia, Semi Radradra, and Waisea Nayacalevu expressed concerns about unpaid contracts, unmet promises, and unpaid coaches and officials. Nayacalevu specifically called for accountability from the Fiji Rugby Union (FRU) and demanded significant changes at Rugby House.
“It is alarming to hear from national rugby representatives,” Rabuka commented. He emphasized that players do not manage funds, as that responsibility lies with the officials. He explained that financial matters are disclosed in the union’s financial accounts, which are audited by reputable auditors and presented at the annual general meetings. Any discrepancies should be thoroughly examined at the AGM and referred for proper investigation.
Rabuka also clarified that the government would not intervene in the recent allegations of mismanagement at the FRU. “The Fiji Rugby Union made it clear at their last AGM that they do not wish for any government involvement in the affairs of rugby in Fiji,” he noted. “And my Government will honor that.”
Following the election of the Coalition Government last year, the FRU was removed from the World Rugby Council, which prompted the appointment of an interim board to establish a new constitution. However, World Rugby reinstated the FRU as a member of the governing body’s council last month after a suspension lasting nearly 15 months due to “governance challenges.”