Former Fiji 7s head coach Ben Gollings has urged for an urgent restructuring of the Fiji Rugby Union (FRU), stressing the importance of having leaders with a deep understanding of sports to oversee its operations and administration. His comments come amid ongoing challenges between the FRU and its players, which have negatively affected the organization’s performance and transparency.
Gollings emphasized that the FRU needs individuals who grasp the complexities of performance in both sporting and administrative contexts. “FRU needs people who understand sports, not just from a business perspective, but from the viewpoint of athletes and performance,” Gollings asserted.
He noted that rugby is deeply cherished in Fiji, with thousands of fans supporting the sport across all levels. However, he argued that this passion must be reflected within the FRU’s administration. “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.
One main issue he identified is the need for transparency within the union. Gollings stated that complete transparency is essential for maintaining the FRU’s integrity and for rebuilding trust between the players and the administration. He also called for the appointment of a dedicated player representative to participate in 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 highlighted, emphasizing that player welfare must be prioritized in the FRU’s strategies.
Gollings’ remarks echo growing concerns within the rugby community regarding the FRU’s direction, especially in light of recent issues involving player relations. Suva Rugby Union secretary Nemani Tuifagalele echoed Gollings’ call for the formation of a players’ organization. “A players’ union, many things can be achieved,” he stated.
Both Gollings and Tuifagalele’s calls for a leadership reform and increased transparency align with the beliefs of many advocates who contend that the FRU must make substantial changes to ensure Fiji’s ongoing success in international rugby. This week, three senior players—Waisea Nayacalevu, Levani Botia, and Semi Radradra—have also spotlighted concerns regarding the FRU, coinciding with Gollings’ comments. Gollings’ interview has reached over 42,330 views and around 600 shares in the last 24 hours.