Fiji Rugby Union Concludes Annual General Meeting with New Board Appointments and a Bright Future Ahead

The Fiji Rugby Union (FRU) today concluded its Annual General Meeting (AGM), marking the formal handover of governance and operational responsibilities to newly elected board members. After a transformative tenure, the FRU Trustees – Peter Mazey, Jenny Setto, Sikeli Tuinamuana, Alipate Naiorosui, and Mosese Naivalu – passed the baton to the new leadership team, signaling an exciting new chapter for Fiji rugby.

The outgoing Trustees have steered the FRU through a period of significant restructuring and financial revitalization. Under their leadership, the FRU has made considerable strides in both governance and operational excellence. Notable achievements include:

• A new FRU Constitution: A modernized framework, ensuring transparency and effective governance in line with global best practices.
• A Seat on the World Rugby Council: This historic achievement has elevated Fiji’s influence on the global rugby stage, providing a direct voice in the decision-making processes that shape the future of the sport.
• A Major Operational Overhaul: The introduction of a new operational structure, including the appointment of a Chief Executive Officer (CEO) who reports directly to the Board, strengthening accountability and strategic decision-making.
• Financial Turnaround: In 2023, the FRU achieved a profit of FJD 1.6 million, marking a dramatic turnaround from a loss of FJD 1.5 million in 2022.
• Debt Clearance: Under the Trustees’ stewardship, the FRU cleared longstanding debts, including the repayment of a World Rugby loan of FJD 2.7 million, positioning the organization for long-term sustainability.

The Trustees expressed their pride in the progress made over the past few months, acknowledging the hard work of the FRU staff, members, and partners who contributed to this success. As they pass on the leadership to the newly elected board members, they are confident that Fiji Rugby is on a firm foundation for future growth and achievement.

“To achieve the goals set before us we had to review, investigate and address issues of the past to enable us to move to a new and bright future,” said Mazey.

“We have been proactive by listening not just to our players, but to our Unions, our stakeholders to our politicians and to our critics.”

“The hard work of all involved has laid the groundwork for a bright future for Fiji Rugby, and we are excited to see what the new board will bring to the table. The passion for rugby in Fiji is unmatched, and we are confident that the sport will continue to thrive at all levels,” added Mazey.

The current FRU Trustees will continue on their road map to bring excellence to the organization and will work alongside the Board of Directors that were elected today at the AGM.

The newly elected FRU Board members include:

• Mosese Naivalu – Legal Director
• John Sanday – Commercial Director
• Tevita Tuiloa – Commercial Director
• Cathy Wong – Women’s Director
• Koli Sewabu – Rugby Director
• Conway Beg – Rugby Director
• Anare Manulevu – Finance Director

The new Board of Directors will take on the responsibility of guiding the future direction of Fiji Rugby, with a focus on further developing talent, enhancing the performance of national teams, and ensuring that the sport continues to grow both in Fiji and internationally.

As the FRU embarks on this new phase, the Trustees, staff, and members remain committed to building a legacy that future generations of Fijian rugby players and fans can be proud of.