Fiji Rugby Union

Sevens takes a hit, but Fiji safeguard Rugby World Cup bonuses

Mazey said the FRU had even budgeted for the Flying Fijians to reach the final of the tournament in France, but there was bad news of budget cuts for the double Olympic Games gold medal-winning sevens squad.

Speaking at a media conference at Rugby House, Mazey said: “We have only been here a month and there is so much work for us to do in getting everything here in order, so we are asking the people of Fiji to bear with us.

“We know that many of you have disliked us, or do not like us, but we are doing everything we can to get things in order.

Simon Raiwalui trims Flying Fijians squad

Head Coach Simon Raiwalui has finalized his 39-member extended squad which marches into camp in Taveuni on Saturday.

Out of the 45 players named in the wider group a fortnight ago, Raiwalui has reduced the squad to 39 after all club commitments were finished.

Prop Jone Koroiduadua, Setareki Tuicuvu, Adrea Cocagi and Mesulame Dolokoto have been dropped while Haereiti Hetet and Joseva Tamani are still recovering from injury, and will be managed from outside the group by the medical staff.

Fiji players get paid: 'When they finally did, it was because I posted'

Sereima Leweniqila raised the issue of non-payment of allowances in a Facebook Post on Tuesday.

"Do we have to win everytime to be treated right? Could we get paid the amount due to us?" she wrote.

"What does it take for our voices to be heard? Do we always have to fight to get what we deserve? Pay Us What is Due to Us," she added.

Two more Fijiana players waded into the discussion online.

Drua captain Bitila Tawake said on Facebook the Fiji Rugby Football Union (FRFU) should not compare them to the men's development team the Fiji Warriors.

World Rugby gives Fiji union until January to get house in order

This follows World Rugby's decision to suspend the Fijian rugby union from its council membership.

FRU acting administration officer Sale Sorovaki told local media at the weekend that the governing body has taken the decision following the Fijian government's intervention through the Justice Minister Siromi Turaga a fortnight ago.

Turaga revealed in a meeting with then members of the FRU Board in Suva that Fiji rugby's national management body was operating illegally since 1918 because the registration of the FRU Charitable Trust was not in order.

Unions force Bainimarama and Fiji rugby board to quit

The FRU will have new trustees, an administrator to take the union to the annual general meeting, and a new set of board members to elect following days of meetings in Suva.

As pressure from major rugby unions like Suva, Naitasiri, Nadroga and Namosi mounted on the executives at Rugby House in the capital, the word finally got out that there were changes to be made.

FRU acting chief executive officer Sale Sorovaki, a son-in-law of former Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama, confirmed to media that the planned AGM in Lautoka on Saturday had been postponed.

FIJI Water pledges multi-million dollar sponsorship for Flying Fijians ahead of 2023 RWC

Prime Minister, Sitiveni Rabuka announced that the Flying Fijians have received a massive boost.

A statement said the agreement with Earth’s finest water will provide $3.8 million to help ensure the Flying Fijians are in the strongest position to compete at the World Cup in France.

The deal builds on previous support FIJI Water provided for the Flying Fijians when it was a supporting sponsor of the team in 2020 during the Autumn Nations Cup. For the past three years, the FRU and Flying Fijians have been supported through the Fiji Sports Commission and government funding.

Tuiloa out as Fiji acting CEO

Tuiloa came in two months ago to replace John O'Connor.

The interim the role is to be taken by the current union chair, Commodore Humphrey Tawake.

     

Fiji Rugby Union yet to comment of sudden death of young rugby player

There are reports from relatives emerging that Naevo, had collapsed during recent training sessions and was rushed to the Nadi Hopsital, where he was pronounced dead.

The young rugby player is the son of former Flying Fijian, Api Naevo and nephew of former Fiji 7s and Flying Fijians rep also, Semisi Naevo.

We are still awaiting comments from the FRU.

     

Fiji's big lure for surf-happy Scott Robertson

Fiji are looking for a replacement coach after fellow Kiwi Vern Cotter unexpectedly stepped down in a World Cup year.

Robertson, the power behind the champion Crusaders in recent years, is tipped to finally land the coveted All Blacks job, but his name has been linked to Fiji in an interim role for the World Cup in France in September and October.

Fiji Rugby Union acting chief executive Tevita Tuiloa said they would love to have Robertson as head coach or technical advisor for the Flying Fijians at the World Cup, but it would depend on Robertson’s availability.

Coachless Fiji offer top job to Scott Robertson

Vern Cotter dramatically split ways with the Flying Fijians at the start of the month, just eight months out from the Rugby World Cup in France.

Matters got worse for the union a week later with news that assistant coach Richie Gray was also leaving, saying that he considered he had to exit from ‘an integrity point of view’ after the departure of Cotter.

It’s left Fiji looking for a head coach and now the FRU acting chief executive Tevita Tuiloa has said he has offered the job to Robertson.