The Fiji Rugby Referees Association (FRRA) has made progress in resolving recent conflicts between its Ba branch and the Ba Rugby Union (BRU). A meeting was held on Saturday at the Ba Town Council office, led by Fiji Rugby Union Trustee Mosese Naivalu, to discuss the issues and find a path forward.
During this meeting, it was unanimously decided to establish an Interim committee to manage all referee-related matters in Ba. This committee will remain in place until the Ba Rugby Referees Association (BRRA) can create a constitution and conduct a formal annual general meeting (AGM) with elections.
FRRA president Samu Tuidraki described the outcome as a satisfactory solution for all involved. He acknowledged that the provincial referee bodies need to improve accountability and transparency, viewing this as a positive starting point, and emphasized the commitment to monitor progress closely.
BRU secretary Gaby Kautoga expressed gratitude to Tuidraki and his team for their efforts over the weekend to make the process smoother. He noted that many issues BRU aimed to address, including leadership, finances, and referee appointments, were tackled during the discussions.
As part of the agreement, BRRA president Mikea Rokodrakia will step aside for veteran referee Kolia Caucau to take the lead of the interim committee. Also joining the committee are Ba referees Bill Gadolo, Joji Naliva, and Malcolm Blake, along with BRU vice presidents Noa Kautoga and Josateki Vale.
The meeting concluded positively, with all parties reaching an agreement to ensure the future stability of the Ba Rugby Referees Association.