Rugby Reforms: Is Fiji’s Future at Risk?

BA Rugby Union Strategy Planner Jeremy Duxbury is advocating for a significant reevaluation of resource allocation within the Fiji Rugby Union (FRU), particularly concerning the balance between high-performance initiatives and grassroots development. As the FRU Annual General Meeting approaches, Duxbury has underscored a considerable disparity in the union’s budget, which predominantly favors national teams and high-performance sectors while neglecting essential grassroots support.

Duxbury points to an urgent need for investment in rugby facilities throughout Fiji, lamenting the scarcity of vital resources such as training grounds, gyms, and essential training equipment. This lack of infrastructure is reflected in the noticeable difference in fitness and endurance levels between Skipper Cup players and those representing the Drua team.

To remedy this situation, Duxbury urges the FRU to prioritize developing grassroots infrastructure, ensuring that every player, irrespective of their location, has access to fundamental training facilities. He emphasizes that even highly qualified coaches (like those at Level 3) cannot effectively train players without proper resources at their disposal.

Additionally, he calls upon the FRU to engage firmly with World Rugby to advocate for a more considerable budget allocation that genuinely reflects Fiji’s developmental needs. Duxbury envisions the FRU creating a comprehensive, long-term plan geared toward uplifting rugby from the grassroots level, facilitating adequate training environments for all players in Fiji.

He strongly believes that the FRU should assertively communicate with World Rugby to secure a bigger budget share dedicated to authentic developmental efforts rather than merely high-performance factions.

This call for change signals a hopeful future for rugby in Fiji, as it highlights the potential to strengthen the game’s foundation by investing in young talent and local resources. With support and thoughtful planning, there is a pathway for Fiji Rugby to flourish at all levels, ultimately nurturing homegrown players to excel on the world stage.