Republic of Fiji Military Forces deputy commander Humphrey Tawake has been named as the Fiji Rugby Union chairman.
FRU confirmed that the term of the former Fiji Rugby Union board chairman Conway Beg had expired after the annual general meeting on November 20, 2021.
FRU chief executive officer John O’Connor confirmed that two new directors were endorsed during the AGM replacing the former directors namely Dr Berlin Kafoa and Naimawi (accountant director) who had decided not to stand for re-elections.
The two new directors endorsed at the AGM were Muni Ratna and Trevor Nainoca (accountant director).
He also confirmed that Tawake had been nominated to the board by the prime minister as per the provisions of the Fiji Rugby Union Constitution.
O’Connor also confirmed that the board in its first meeting held after the AGM on the November 6, 2021 had confirmed the election and appointment of Commodore Tawake as the chairman.
“We congratulate Commodore Tawake on his new appointment and look forward to working with the new Board as we strive to move Rugby in Fiji to new heights,” he said.
“Commodore Tawake brings strong leadership qualities to the board as he is a senior military (deputy commander) and the former president of the Suva Rugby Union for the last six years when Suva rose to become the champion of the Skipper competition.
“His inclusion on the FRU Board will add stimulus and momentum, at the strategic level, to further the development of rugby in Fiji and the growth of pathways from grassroots rugby to professional in Fiji.
“Commodore Tawake will further the legacy of the board and I am certain that under his chairmanship, we will continue to strive to move rugby in Fiji forward from where we are at the moment and aspire for world standards, both on and off the field.”
The CEO of FRU also congratulated and welcomed directors Nainoca as the accountant director and Ratna.
“I want to acknowledge and sincerely thank directors Naimawi and Dr Kafoa for their immense contribution in the transformation of Fiji Rugby but more importantly in their leadership through the tough two years due to COVID-19.
“Their valuable contribution is greatly appreciated.”
He acknowledged and thanked outgoing chairman, for his leadership during his term especially in steering rugby in Fiji through the tough times due to COVID-19.
“With his leadership, we have been able to manoeuvre ourselves through the rough waters and are slowly returning back to some normalcy. “We thank Mr Beg for his contribution in the Fijian Drua negotiations.
“In accepting the challenge, Commodore Tawake said that he is fortunate to lead Fiji’s biggest sporting organisation.
“I’m happy to take up the appointment within the FRU board and I’m glad that the nomination has come through from the prime minister.
“I have been involved with rugby for the last decade at various capacities and I know the feeling and how passionate the Fijian community is in regards to rugby.
“I must take this time to acknowledge the previous two Chairmen for their effort and their strategic leadership that has enabled FRU to achieve great milestone and be where it is today.
“I think the involvement of the Fijian Drua in the Super Rugby Pacific is a huge milestone for all of us and I must thank the leadership within FRU and those involved, including NZ Rugby and World Rugby for allowing Fiji to participate at that level.”
He added that he had full confidence in his directors who would assist him in formulating the strategies and direction for the next four years.
“I also want to acknowledge the former chairman, Commander Kean, for the vision he had for Fiji Rugby and for leading our transformation journey.
“I would also like to show my appreciation to the FRU CEO John O’Connor for operationalising all the strategies and liaising with member unions and keeping them informed which I believe is very important because member unions play a critical part in driving Fiji Rugby forward.”
O’Connor confirmed that due process in relation to the appointment of the new coach for the Fiji Airways Fijian 7s is in the final stages and FRU expects to announce the new appointment in the next few weeks.
