The Fiji Rugby Union has gained admission back to the World Rugby Council.
Minister for Youth and Sports Jese Saukuru revealed this in an interview yesterday, stating that this was one of the factors he raised with Minister of Education Aseri Radrodro while discussing Deans Rugby matters.
“The good news is that we have been reinstated in the board of World Rugby. I received the news yesterday (Thursday) that we have been reinstated,” Saukuru stated.
The FRU was suspended from the World Rugby Council in May, 2023 losing its voting rights in the process, after it was found that the FRU Board had been operating illegally amongst other governance issues.
This prompted World Rugby together with the FRU, the Government of the Republic of Fiji and FASANOC to set out a collaborative road map, ensuring short-term stability, continuity of programs and protect future participation at major events, while the wider governance topics are addressed on a long-term basis.
On July 1, 2024, the FRU passed its constitution and unanimously approved its new structure during their Special General Meeting at Novotel in Lami.
This was a crucial step taken by the interim board of trustees and all major unions under the umbrella of the Rugby House to get Fiji back into World Rugby’s high decision-making body.
FRU interim chair Peter Mazey stated, “We had a very favorable meeting with World Rugby in Paris and that we are awaiting the formal notice from World Rugby.”
Fiji Rugby’s new structure sees the Fiji Rugby Football Union Charity Trust as the watchdog of its two main arms which consists of a commercial and operational side.
A new management company- Fiji Rugby Union Pte Ltd will be formed which encompasses the constitution, the FRU board of directors, the chief executive, and the operations of Rugby House.
The other arm is their 49 per cent shares with Counter Ruck Pte Ltd which owns the Fijian Drua franchise.
Next now for the FRU is to hold its annual general meeting.
