Transparency and Support for Fijiana Players from the Fiji Rugby Football Union Trust Board

The Fiji Rugby Football Union Trust Board (FRFUTB) wishes to address the recent discourse around the payment of our Fijiana rugby players. We assure the public and, more importantly, our valued players, that all due payments have been fulfilled.

This morning, FRFUTB members, Administrator and Finance met with team manager Vela Naucukidi and reviewed the payment processes, requisitions and vouchers. It was confirmed to her satisfaction that all dues owed to Fijiana Drua and Fijiana 15s players have been settled. Ms. Naucukidi also shed light on the source of recent social media upheaval, which appears to stem from a misunderstanding about the daily allowance rate for players.

The rate structure, established by the previous administration, is as follows:

● Fijiana players receive $300/day during the World Cup and $100/day for the Oceania tournament and the Australia Wallaroos test.
● The Fijian Warriors Men’s team receives a daily allowance of $100/day, a rate in effect during their recent victorious run at the World Rugby Pacific Challenge Cup.

The FRFUTB is deeply committed to player welfare and is exploring partnerships with sponsors to ensure this commitment is upheld and improved to fair labor practice standards. An example of this is our partnership with Rooster Chicken, whose generous bonus sponsorship of $82,000 was fully paid and distributed to the Fijiana Drua team in May 2023.

We also express gratitude towards the Fiji Government through the Ministry of Youth & Sports for their approved bonus for the Fijiana Drua players, which we are eagerly awaiting. We appreciate our ongoing sponsorship agreement with Vodafone, who have pledged significant funds for the 2023 season, a gross sum of $1.6 million including in-kind, $497,976 net per year, and $247,086 budgeted for programs until May 2024.

We acknowledge the concerns raised by our Fijiana captain and appreciate her leadership and passion for the team. We encourage all players to continue sharing their concerns and suggestions through the proper channels with the Team Manager. We are steadfast in our commitment to finding sustainable solutions that will further enhance women’s rugby in Fiji.

Our sincere appreciation goes out to the Fijiana players for their relentless dedication and exemplary performance on the international stage. We are immensely proud of their accomplishments and remain unwavering in our support for their growth and development.

The FRFU Trustees and management are currently awaiting reports from the tour coach and management to address any potential issues not yet discussed publicly by the Fijiana Captain or the players.