Commodore Humphrey Tawake appointed as Fiji Rugby Chairman

Fiji Rugby Union (FRU) has today confirmed that the term of the former Fiji Rugby Union Board Chairman Mr. Conway Beg had expired after the Annual General Meeting which was held on the 20^th of November 2021. The Chief Executive Officer, John O’connor also confirmed that two new Directors were endorsed at the Annual General Meeting replacing the former Directors namely Dr Berlin Kafoa and Mr. Naimawi (Accountant Director) who had decided not to stand for re-elections.

The two new Directors endorsed at the AGM were Mr. Muni Ratna and Mr. Trevor Nainoca (Accountant Director). He also confirmed that Commodore Humphery Tawake had been nominated to the Fiji Rugby Board by the Honorable Prime Minister as per the provisions of the Fiji Rugby Union Constitution.

Mr. O’connor also confirmed that the Fiji Rugby Union Board in its first meeting held after the Annual General Meeting on the 6^th of November 2021 had confirmed the election and appointment of Commodore Tawake as the new Board Chairman for the Fiji Rugby Union for the next 4 years replacing former Chairman, Mr. Beg.

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. 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 6 years when Suva rose to become the Champions 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,” said Mr. O’Connor.

The CEO of FRU also congratulated and welcomed Directors Mr. Trevor Nainoca as the Accountant Director and Mr. Muni 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

Mr. O’Connor acknowledged and thanked outgoing Chairman Mr. Conway Beg 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 maneuver 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 organization.

“I’m happy to take up the appointment within the FRU Board and I’m glad that the nomination has come through from the Honorable Prime Minister,” said Commodore Tawake.

He added, “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.”

Commodore Tawake added “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 further added that he has full confidence in his Directors who will 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 Mr. John O’Connor for operationalizing 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” said Commodore Tawake.

Commodore Tawake’s rugby involvements is as follows:

 1993 – 1995:           Appointed Manager for the Fiji Navy Rugby Team and                                         Manager for the RFMF Sukuna Bowl team.

2013:                      Appointed Manager for RFMF Rugby Team Defence                                             Force that played for the World Cup in Japan

2014:                     Appointed Chairman for the Suva Rugby Union.

2015:                      Appointed Manager for the Flying Fijians for the Rugby                                     World Cup in England in 2015.

2019:                      Appointed President of the Suva Rugby Union

2014 – 2021            Member of the Fiji Rugby Union Council

In the meantime, Mr. 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 Fiji Rugby expects to announce the new appointment in the next few weeks.