Fiji Rugby Union

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.

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.

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.

He alleged that Seruvakula, who was the president of the Fiji Rugby Referees Association, was not consistent in his rulings.

In an article published by The Fiji Times on July 8, 1977, he said several times Seruvakula moved the whistle to his mouth “and looked as if he was going to blow it, but then did not”.

“This showed that he was indecisive and he wasn’t sure what rule he was following because he used the advantage rule at times but did not do so at other times,” Vivili said.

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.

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 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.

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.

Fiji Rugby chairman Humphrey Tawake told a hastily arranged news conference in Suva on Thursday that Cotter’s letter of resignation had been accepted and a new coach will be appointed “in due course.”

Tawake said Cotter had resigned for personal reasons but gave no other details.

In a statement, Cotter expressed regret for his sudden departure.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank the players and coaches I have worked with during my time with the team,” he said.

The Fiji Rugby Union announced on Monday that 2005 Sevens World Cup winner Viliame Satala and two-time Olympian and gold medal winner Jerry Tuwai will be part of a new coaching set-up, with Englishman Ben Gollings.

Satala, known as 'The Stretcher' during his playing days because of his bone-crunching tackles will focus on the forwards, skills and support with talent identification and mentoring of players.

While Tuwai will take on the role of player/coach to develop his coaching.