FIJI RUGBY TAKE PROACTIVE STEPS TO BRACE FOR COVID-19 IMPACT 

Fiji Rugby wish to advise Affiliate Unions, Customers, Stakeholders and Rugby Supporters, in compliance with lockdown regulations for the greater Suva Area; as a non-essential service Rugby House will be closed until further notice. 

During this period, many staff have taken annual leave with a skeleton staff working from home to ensure continuity of service until the end of the lockdown period.  

All Fiji Rugby gyms will remain closed and all high performance programs have moved to individual fitness programs for the players to complete at home.   

All domestic club, schools and provincial competitions will remain suspended until such restrictions are uplifted and new kick off dates are announced. 

Chief Executive Officer John O’Connor confirmed that in view of the limited activities and the financial challenges faced by the Union and after continued discussions with World Rugby and the Fiji Rugby Partner Family and Stakeholders,  the Fiji Rugby Union Board has endorsed cost cutting measures to ensure the financial integrity and sustainability of the Union long term and to ensure rugby will be ready for kick off when the restrictions are lifted. 

“With rugby in Fiji and globally coming to a halt, the Fiji Rugby Board has endorsed the implementation of a number of measures to protect the long term operating viability of the Union in response to the escalating impact of COVID 19 on the local and global economy” he said. 

“All Unions globally are facing significant financial challenges and responsible financial decisions have to be made in order to preserve the operating ability and financial integrity of Fiji Rugby long term.  

Mr. O’Connor advised that working employees, contracted staff, players, coaches and consultants of Fiji Rugby have reduced to 3 days a week (40% reduction) and staff with leave balances will continue to take that leave.   

“Further cost cutting measures such as leave without pay will be implemented should the situation not improve in the near future and there is no rugby kicking off” he said. 

“We are in extraordinary times with this COVID-19 pandemic . We will continue to monitor the financial impact on our operations and will also continue discussions with World Rugby and our sponsors, however if the situation continues to escalate, further drastic reductions may be required.  

“We hope we will not end up in such situation, but we must keep in mind that businesses are closing, and thousands of employees have lost their jobs and we must be prepared for the worse. 

“We are facing challenging and difficult times and we are grateful to our staff for their understanding and support. 

O’Connor advised that the Union will continue to service stakeholders across all Departments through efficient rostering and remote access.