John Sanday is the new Chairman of the Board of the Fiji Rakavi Football Union Limited (FRFUL). Photo: FRU
Photo: Fiji Rugby Union
Following a restructure and review John Sanday, a former Flying Fijian, has been elected as Chairman of the Fiji Rakavi Football Union (“FRU”), along with a new Board of Trustees.
The new FRFUL Board members are Mosese Naivalu – Legal Director, John Sanday – Commercial Director, Tevita Tuiloa – Commercial Director, Cathy Wong – Women’s Director, Koli Sewabu – Rugby Director, Conway Beg – Rugby Director and Anare Manulevu – Finance Director.
They replace the interim Trustees Board chaired by Peter Mazey.
The new Board of Directors will take on the responsibility of guiding the future direction of Fiji Rugby, with a focus on further developing talent, enhancing the performance of national teams, and ensuring that the sport continues to grow both in Fiji and internationally, the FRU said. 9 November 2024
Photo: Facebook / Fiji Rugby
After 20 years of uncertain times, including questions about financial management, local rugby unions expressed hope that the new Board and the restructure will further develop Fijian rugby.
When speaking to RNZ Pacific, Sanday said he was excited about the new challenge and working with all stakeholders in moving Fiji Rugby forward.
Sanday outlined a number of areas that required urgent attention, including:
Stabilising and strengthening the financial management
Making Fijian rugby financially sustainable
Strengthening relationships between local rugby unions and the national team, improving infrastructure and promoting ‘grassroots’ rugby to grow the rugby stars of tomorrow
To work collectively as a Board for the betterment of Fijian Rugby
Sanday said his main focus as Chairman was to serve and to listen. In particular to challenges faced by Member Unions.
Sanday told RNZ Pacific that the FRU’s financial position had improved and was currently stable, compared to 2022, in which it operated at a FJD$1.5 million loss.
He said that the biggest challenge for the Board was managing the ever-increasing cost of expanding and strengthening Fiji Rugby, while remaining financially sustainable. Sanday suggested that this was a problem around the world, as teams compete for a limited pool of sponsorship.
He acknowledged the Fijian Diaspora, and their unmatched passion for the Fijian national team. He noted that merchandise sales to Fijians around the world helps contribute to keeping the FRU and the team sustainable.
The Board hope to “harness the patriotism” of Fijians abroad through better online media content and annual subscriptions.
Sanday also commented that the Board’s objective was to develop local coaches, to eventually take over the Drua and National Team.
Finally, Sanday acknowledged that member clubs were the “backbone” of Fijian Rugby. He said that more energy would be expended engaging with clubs and unions to strengthen relationships and foster the growth of the game at every level.
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Author : rugby-247
Publish date : 2024-12-30 05:54:58
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