Fiji Rugby Union

Nasilasila is appealing his eight-year sentence - he was jailed in September for the 2018 rape of a young woman.

In court on Tuesday, the Olympic gold medallist claimed his former defence team had failed to tender documents which included messages between him and the victim.

Nasilasila's new lawyer Mosese Naivalu also informed the court that his client and the victim had been in contact for 19 months.

The matter has been adjourned to 3 November when the trial counsels will respond to Nasilasila's claims.

Fiji Rugby announced in April it was cutting costs in an attempt to manage the financial fallout from the coronavirus.

Conway Beg was appointed to the FRU Board late last month by the Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama, who is also President of the rugby union.

The pandemic was causing upheaval with sporting organisations all over the world and Fiji Rugby was no different.

The former Scotland head coach was unveiled as the new Fiji mentor in January but has yet to step foot in the country because of Covid-19.

He's currently back home in New Zealand, where Fiji's Skipper Cup domestic competition is being screened on TV.

"I watched the Nadroga vs Namosi game this last weekend so when I'm able to watch the Skipper Cup, the Farebrother Trophy I've enjoyed watching it," he said.

"All I can say to the players is - there's a lot of enthusiasm and I love the crowds occasion as well - is just to play as best as possible.

An architect by profession, Beg was appointed to the FRU Board late last month by the Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama, who is also President of the rugby union.

He succeeds Francis Kean, who stood down as Chairman two weeks ago following a controversial five year term, in which he was accused of homophobia and interfering with team selections.

Kean, a former navy commander who was convicted of manslaughter in 2007, is also a brother in law to Bainimarama.

The Welshman's original four-year deal was scheduled to end in December but, with the 2020 Olympics delayed by 12 months because of Covid-19, the FRU has extended his deal until the end of the global sporting showpiece in August next year, where Fiji will defend their gold medal from four years ago.

While the 2019/20 World Sevens Series was brought to a premature end last week, Gareth Baber intends to keep his players busy with provincial and local sevens competitions.

"We've put some plans in place based around what is happening here domestically in Fiji," he said.

Earlier World Rugby said it was investigating the claims against Francis Kean, who had been one of eight nominees for the seven positions on the influential Executive Committee.

The Sunday Times reported it had heard a recording of Kean while he was in charge of the Fiji prison service, in which the paper alleged homophobic language was used.

World Rugby said it noted the allegations and took them extremely seriously.

A Sunday Times report revealed allegations of homophobia against Fiji chairman Ratu Vilikesa Bulewa Francis Kean, as well as his conviction for manslaughter in 2007, which has left the former head of the Fijian Navy under pressure to stand down.

The revelations could also spell trouble for World Rugby chairman Sir Bill Beaumont, whose bid for re-election has been backed by the FRU

Kean is also looking to secure a position on World Rugby’s executive committee, but is now expected to withdraw.

This has been confirmed by the Fiji Sports Commission Chairman, Peter Mazey.

The position has been vacant since the expiry of John McKee’s contract on 31 December 2019.

Mazey says the Commission provides assistance to the Union in terms of the Coach’s pay.

McKee coached the Flying Fijians to the 2015 and 2019 Rugby World Cup.

The team failed to reach the quarterfinals in both competitions.

However, attaining third spot in their pool last year, allows Fiji to solve an automatic qualification to the 2023 RWC.

The previous arrangement expired after the Rio Games, with players only receiving minimal match payments and a daily allowance since the start of the new World Series in December.

Reports in Australia have linked gold medal winning trio Masivesi Dakuwaqa, Jerry Tuwai and Jasa Veremalua with a switch to rugby league.

Head coach Gareth Baber said they're doing everything they can to keep their best players in Fiji.

Osea Kolinisau will lead the Olympic and World Series champions' squad, which includes fellow gold medallists Jasa Veremalua and Samisoni Viriviri.

Fiji Rugby Union CEO John O'Connor said even with some players overseas there is still a huge pool of talent available in Fiji.

"I am happy that we have been able to identify these players and bring them into camp to prepare them for the Oceania 7s," he said.

"They have shown a lot of progress in the two weeks of camp which proves their selection into the team."