Laijipa Naulivou, the new Rugby Director for the Fiji Rugby Union (FRU), has openly expressed her disapproval of lesbianism within the national women’s rugby teams. While Naulivou, who once captained Fiji’s inaugural women’s rugby team, acknowledges the rights of players, she emphasizes the need for proper management of the issue.
During her playing career, she consistently opposed what she described as practices of lesbianism among female players. “Those who played with me know that I do not condone being gay for women in rugby,” she stated, recognizing that her stance may be unpopular among some individuals.
Naulivou recalled challenges she faced prior to the first HSBC sevens tournament, where she advocated for changes in leadership due to issues she linked with the team’s performance. She believes that one of the main reasons for the rift within the Fiji women’s sevens team during the last year’s Paris Olympic Games was related to allegations of lesbianism.
Drawing on insights from Pio Bosco Tikoisuva, the former CEO of FRU, Naulivou mentioned that retention of players, particularly related to familial commitments, is a notable issue in women’s rugby, not only in Fiji but also in Europe. She indicated that the situation is manageable, provided it does not affect the team dynamics.
Naulivou is optimistic about her new role and aims to improve the performance of the Fijiana sevens team, advocating for a merit-based selection process. “If everything is done cleanly, we’ll reap the harvest for that,” she said, underscoring the importance of discipline and mental preparedness among players. She believes that fostering an environment that prioritizes fairness and skill over personal connections will lead to success in the team.
In summary, Laijipa Naulivou’s appointment symbolizes a pivotal moment for women’s rugby in Fiji, as she aims to integrate structured management and emphasize players’ rights while addressing sensitive issues within the sport.
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