Fiji Rugby’s Governance Overhaul Signals Return Path to World Rugby Council
The Fiji Rugby Union has approved its constitution in an effort to regain its position in the World Rugby Council.
Fiji was suspended from World Rugby’s highest decision-making body in May last year due to concerns over its governance structure. World Rugby subsequently released a statement outlining steps to restore stability at Rugby House.
Following a special general meeting (SGM) on Saturday, Fiji Rugby chairman Peter Mazey expressed confidence that all issues have been addressed and they are prepared to present these changes to World Rugby.
“The SGM was convened specifically to discuss governance and organizational structure matters, particularly the establishment of a new company named Fiji Rugby Union Limited, which is intended to guide the organization and sport into the next 30 years and beyond,” Fiji Rugby stated in a release.
Mazey explained that the new company will operate alongside a charitable entity that will serve as a watchdog under the revised structure.
“Our ownership of entities like the Drua and Counter Ruck, which constitutes 49 percent, will fall under this charity, similar to our properties such as Rugby House and the High-Performance Units,” Mazey clarified.
He noted that World Rugby provided assistance by supplying a consultant, with additional support coming from New Zealand Rugby, which is undergoing a comparable review process.
Under the newly approved structure, member unions will nominate board members without government or Prime Ministerial appointments, and there will no longer be World Rugby nominees on the board.
“The revised structure emphasizes empowering unions to steer the sport towards a more commercially-focused future,” Mazey emphasized.
Additionally, the High-Performance Unit will now report directly to the chief executive, as outlined in the newly passed structure approved by union representatives.
A Fiji Rugby annual general meeting will convene within the next 45 days to elect a new board of directors and chairman.
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