With the 2023 Rugby World Cup just around the corner, Fiji Rugby is buzzing with activity.
Simon Raiwalui was recently announced as the Flying Fijians national coach with five assistant coaches, three being of Fijian heritage, Senirusi Seruvakula, Seremaia Bai and Graham Dewes, as well as Glen Jackson and Brad Harris. This was coupled with the announcement of Inoke Male, as head coach of the unbeaten Super W Fijiana Drua women’s side.
On the home front, Fiji rugby fans were dismayed early this week, when Fiji Rugby interim CEO Tevita Tuiloa, in a personal post on Facebook, spoke on the welfare of players, their hardships and challenges as well as the shocking news regarding a promise not fulfilled, a house and land package for Fiji’s international rugby sevens star Jerry Tuwai.
It was a promise made by the previous Fiji First, Frank Bainimarama-led government, who is the current president of Fiji Rugby. A fact that to many, does not come as a surprise.
(Photo by Mark Evans/Getty Images)
The previous week, the interim CEO also posted his concerns around player welfare issues, referencing the sudden death of 19-year-old Ratu Pasikali Naevo, who collapsed training at the Fiji Rugby High Performance camp whilst preparing for the upcoming World Rugby U20 championships in South Africa in June.
With the tragic news breaking out across the country, staff leading the camp were immediately terminated by Fiji Rugby, unbeknownst to the interim CEO. Furthermore, much to the astonishment of many, three days later they were recalled and re-issued suspension letters, but are now currently back in training camp.
The interim CEO has been at the helm of Fiji Rugby since January 2023, after the resignation of John O’Connor. It appears that interference with daily operational matters is the work of chairman, Humphrey Tawake.
The writing is on the wall. The administration at the country’s rugby house continues to deteriorate, under the leadership of the humiliated former Prime Ministers and behind the scenes, Rasputin-like, Namosi Rugby Union president, Francis Kean, two peas in a pod.
In 2007, Kean was charged with murder and convicted for manslaughter of a family member at a wedding, spent two weeks in prison, walked out, was then reinstated as Navy Commander in 2009, and later from 2016-2023 was the Commissioner of Prisons.
Frank Bainimarama. (Photo by Pita Simpson/Getty Images)
In 2013, the constitution of Fiji Rugby was changed to include the Prime Minister. Previously, people represented in the board had no political affiliations, some may argue otherwise. Kean masterminded the entry of relative Bainimarama, which has resulted in the implosion of Fiji Rugby.
Bainimarama currently has a case sitting at the Department of Public Prosecutions for allegations regarding the abuse of power, after forcing his way into government via a coup and serving as Prime Minister of Fiji from 2006- 2022.
Historically, Fiji Rugby is plagued by financial and governance issues, a reflection of the previous government’s way of conducting business. That culture has diminished a clean rugby reputation in the local and international ecosystem, somewhat saved by the continued outstanding performances of Fijian players who continue to excel across the globe.
With an AGM scheduled for 16 April 2023, ABC correspondent in Fiji, Lice Movono, has reported that out of twenty-eight affiliated unions in Fiji, only twenty per cent are currently allowed to vote. Eighty per cent of these are non-compliant. It is unknown for how long they have been non-compliant.
Neither is it known as to whether there has been work to capacity build compliance across five areas, two key ones being finance and gender. Fans are calling for an intervention by the current Fiji government. Is this also a sign for an intervention by World Rugby?
Clearly there are two people at the helm of Rugby in Fiji bringing the game into disrepute and working behind the scenes via the current chairman, Humphrey Tawake. Both Bainimarama and Kean hold votes in the powerful twenty per cent that are compliant.
Ankle-tapped Waterboy
Roar Rookie
Yes, it's been dire, corrosive, and septic for decades and recently has got worse. It's a longstanding nexus of rugby, Army, and politics. Regarding the question above about apartheid, I decided at the first coup and the Fijian Indian diaspora to never put any of my $ towards Fiji. I regret that some of my taxpayer dollars get sent there, but understand the Great Power logic why.
Muzzo
Roar Rookie
Yes thanks Tia, for the read. As IMO & so many others, sport should not be mixed up with religion & these utterly useless no hoper politicians. They, the politicians, seemingly & continually forget, they are just public servants. In regards to what is actually happening, in Fiji, surely it's past the time that the ruling body of our game, WR grew some, & pulled out the funding card, to maybe help settle the situation as a whole. Get these utterly useless politicians ( not only in Fiji ) away from our game.
Just Nuisance
Roar Rookie
I thought about that comparison , but its very different . A better comparison was the destruction of Cricket in South Africa by a dysfunctional board . The ICC dithered for years and showed a blind eye . Eventually under threat of expulsion for the 2nd time in its history , real threat ...It was days away , did we see SA Cricket and all interested parties take positive remedial action .But damage sadly already done . ..No I do not want Fiji banned but its also OK to say we love you but not your behaviour and if you want to be a member of the club there are conditions to said membership and right now you are in breach . Put another way , we won't ban you , you are doing that to yourselves . Ball is in your court .
JD Kiwi
Roar Rookie
Says we shouldn't talk about politics then makes a long political post :laughing:
JC
Roar Rookie
Great work, Tia. Bainimarama and Kean have long been poison to Fijian rugby, but it sounds far worse than imagined. I remember one player (might have been Qld and Wallaby winger Filipo Daugunu) alluding to being desperate to get to Aus to escape the clutches of the regime who were pressuring him into the police force as a path to higher honours. How can Aus and NZ support Fijian rugby to oust these monsters?
The Late News
Roar Rookie
Tia what a fascinating read. Thank you.
Big A
Roar Rookie
How 'bout we just stick to sport and don't worry about politics - never been a big fan of Aus Gvt helping out countries that have so many underlying problems that any form of financial assistance goes straight in to the wrong hands - vicious cycle - not for the Roar to be commenting on - was listening to the podcast the other day - Drua have this Pom guy that has been planted there as CEO - sounded like one of those Collonialists from a bygone era - sounded like something out of the East India Company - how long before he sets up a pipeline straight back to mother England to exploit the locals and get some of them playing for the Charriots - like I said before - let's all stop pretending like we care about what's happening in places like Fiji and just focus on the rugby instead
fiwiboy7042
Roar Rookie
What's gone on in Fiji rugby also reflects what is happening in wider society, JN. The new change of government offers hope but it sounds like you want Fiji rugby to suffer the same punishment that the aparthed-era Boks suffered.
JD Kiwi
Roar Rookie
Thanks for another important article Tia. Lions led by donkeys.
fiwiboy7042
Roar Rookie
Isn't it Colonel H. Tawake? And the FRU long had governance issues although I accept it has worsened under Frank's "watch".
Just Nuisance
Roar Rookie
I sense a certain amount of anger in the author of this article . You couldn't script this stuff even if you tried . Fiji is a treasure house of World Rugby , producing disproportionately so many class players . Rugby is also important culturally which means its vulnerable to nefarious characters who choose to hijack it for power and influence . There are some parallels here to what's been happening in South African rugby and sport in general. World Rugby have a responsibility to intervene . Spend less time worrying about friggin water carriers and deal with some real issues idiots . If necessary ban Fiji from competing in any and I mean any international competition until they sort this out . Because this is for Fijians and only Fijians to resolve ..Calling on the Fiji government to intervene is like asking a pyromaniac to assist in fighting a fire .This is exactly why FIFA have a very low tolerance policy towards any government interference in its affiliates controlling bodies . What has been very effective in South Africa to combat this scourge has been sponsors and broadcasters wielding influence. In other words ..No more cash from us . Amazing how that manages to focus minds .The Fijian players and fans deserve better ....