Former Fiji 7s head coach Ben Gollings has urged for an immediate restructuring of the Fiji Rugby Union (FRU), emphasizing the necessity for leadership that possesses a profound understanding of sports in its operations and administration. His remarks come amidst ongoing conflicts between the FRU and its players, which have affected the organization’s performance and transparency.
Gollings stressed that the FRU requires leaders who grasp the intricacies of performance in all aspects, both on and off the field. “FRU needs people who understand sports, not just from a business perspective, but from the viewpoint of athletes and performance,” he stated.
He pointed out that Fiji is a nation with a deep passion for rugby, evidenced by the thousands of fans who support the sport at various levels. However, he believes this enthusiasm should also be reflected in the administrative functions of the FRU. “There are so many passionate people in Fiji who love rugby, but that same passion and understanding need to exist at the operational level,” Gollings added.
One of the key issues he raised is the necessity for transparency within the union. Gollings suggested that full transparency is vital for maintaining the FRU’s integrity and rebuilding trust between the players and the administration. He also advocated for the inclusion of a dedicated player representative in the decision-making processes at Rugby House.
“The players need a voice at the table. A player representative should be in place to convey the athletes’ concerns directly to the union’s leadership,” he emphasized, underlining that player welfare and interests should be prioritized in the FRU’s strategies.
Gollings’ comments resonate with the growing apprehensions within the rugby community regarding the FRU’s direction, particularly in light of recent challenges with player relations. Supporting Gollings’ call for players to establish an organization, Suva Rugby Union secretary Nemani Tuifagalele remarked, “A player’s union can achieve many things.”
Their calls for leadership reform and increased transparency echo sentiments from many who believe the FRU must undergo changes to sustain Fiji’s success on the international rugby scene. Recently, three senior players—Waisea Nayacalevu, Levani Botia, and Semi Radradra—highlighted the pressing issues within the FRU, reflecting the broader concerns in the rugby community about the organization’s trajectory.
The interview has attracted significant attention, amassing over 42,000 views and around 600 shares in just 24 hours.