Former Fiji 7s head coach Ben Gollings has urged for a significant reorganization of the Fiji Rugby Union (FRU), stressing the importance of having leaders with a profound understanding of sports at the helm of its operations and administration.
His remarks come amid ongoing conflicts between the FRU and its players, which have raised concerns about the organization’s performance and transparency. Gollings pointed out that the FRU requires leaders who comprehend the intricacies of performance, 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,” Gollings stated.
He highlighted Fiji’s deep passion for rugby, with thousands of supporters backing the sport at all levels, but emphasized that this enthusiasm needs to be reflected within the administration 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,” he added.
A key issue raised by Gollings is the need for transparency within the union, as he believes that maintaining full transparency is essential for the FRU’s integrity and will help restore trust between the players and the administration.
Moreover, Gollings called for the appointment of a dedicated player representative to be included in the decision-making processes at Rugby House. “The players need a voice at the table. A player representative should be in place to voice the concerns of the athletes directly to the union’s leadership,” he said, underscoring that player welfare and interests should be prioritized in the FRU’s strategies.
His comments resonate with the growing apprehension within the rugby community regarding the FRU’s current direction, especially considering recent issues related to player relations. Suva Rugby Union secretary Nemani Tuifagalele echoed Gollings’ call for players to establish an organization. “A player’s union, many things can be achieved,” he remarked.
Their push for a leadership overhaul and increased transparency reflects widespread beliefs that the FRU must implement reforms to safeguard Fiji’s ongoing success on the international rugby stage. Recently, senior players Waisea Nayacalevu, Levani Botia, and Semi Radradra have spotlighted Gollings’ concerns, illustrating the urgency for change within the union.