PERFORMANCE and financial sustainability are at the centre of the Fiji Rugby Union’s new strategic plan, according to FRU chairman John Sanday.
Sanday said the plan is built around three main pillars, with performance at the top not just on the field, but off it as well.
“Performance starts with us as the governing body and flows down to the unions, clubs and individuals.
“Everyone needs to be in performance mode so that when the tide comes in, it lifts all boats together.”
He said strong performance will drive commercial growth, including better sponsorship, capital projects and new opportunities for revenue.
“How do we package high performance into commercial opportunities and make that sustainable?”
“That’s the work we need to do,” Sanday added.
Sanday acknowledged that funding remains a major challenge for many unions, with concerns around profit and loss and long-term sustainability.
“One issue that keeps coming back is funding.
“We need to look at how we package our tournaments better, so they are financially sustainable, not just for FRU but for the unions as well.”
He said financial stability will allow unions to reinvest profits back into rugby development.
“For too long we’ve relied on a centralised approach.
“Now it’s about building sustainability across all unions.”
Sanday added that FRU will work closely with unions through training to ensure everyone is aligned and working in harmony under the new strategic direction.
