Former captain of the Flying Fijians, Koli Rakoroi, has disclosed that the problem of unpaid or delayed player allowances has been a persistent issue within the Fiji Rugby Union (FRU) since the 1980s. Rakoroi, who led Fiji during the 1987 Rugby World Cup in New Zealand, where the team became the first Fijian side to reach the quarter-finals, has called for a thorough restructuring of the FRU. He urged both current and former boards to take accountability and ensure transparency regarding these financial matters.
Reflecting on his own experiences, Rakoroi noted that financial difficulties were evident during his playing career. He recounted that in 1986, players received $25 each day in allowances, with the FRU promising to double this amount, a promise that ultimately went unfulfilled, leading to a protest during a stadium walkout.
In a pivotal moment, he mentioned the team nearly boycotted the final of the Pacific Nations Cup against Samoa due to the FRU board’s broken promises. “We walked out of the stadium just minutes before the final because the board hadn’t kept their word,” he explained. The compromise came when the board agreed to meet their payment request, allowing them to return to play—and ultimately win the match.
After this event, players were awarded a $50 daily allowance, but Rakoroi emphasized that the motivation to represent Fiji stemmed more from pride and passion than financial compensation. The team notably progressed to the quarter-finals of the 1987 Rugby World Cup after victories against Argentina and Italy.
“This issue of player allowances has persisted from the 1980s until now,” Rakoroi remarked, adding that anyone taking on a leadership position at the FRU tends to produce negative outcomes, highlighting the need for urgent intervention.
Additionally, the former player expressed concerns about the misuse of the FRU emblem, pointing out that various businesses, regardless of nationality, are printing the logo on their products for profit, raising the question of whether the FRU benefits from these actions. “Anyone wanting to use the Fiji Rugby logo should be licensed. The FRU must protect its brand,” he insisted.
Looking to the future, Rakoroi is optimistic that Fiji can achieve Tier 1 status in world rugby, but insists that proper leadership is crucial. “We need individuals who understand rugby to manage every department within the FRU,” he concluded.